UC-NRLF 


MO    STS 


L.  HISTORY 


OP 


IRDS 


ON   A   NEW   PLAN9   EXHIBITING       HEIR 

COMPARATIVE  SI5BKS 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  CAPACITIES  OF  'YOUTH : 
WITH 

AUTHENTIC  AS J3CDOTX 

ILLUSTRATING     THEIH    HABITS    AM)    €a.,K.AC- 

TEKS .}    TOGETHER   WITH 

REFLECTIONS, 

floral  untr  IttlisCoto 

«, 

DESIGNED    BOR 

SABBATH    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES/  FAMILIES,    AND 
COMMON   SCHOOLS, 


BY  J.  L.  GOMSTOCK9  M.  1>. 


HARTFORD ! 

PUBLISHED    BY    IX    I/    KOX 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


EXPLANATION    OF    THE    FRONTISPIECE. 

Upon  the  Surrey  side  of  the  Waterloo  Bridge, 
London,  may  be  daily  seen  a  cage,  about  five  feet 
square,  containing  the  Quadrupeds  and  Birds  which 
are  represented  in  the  Frontispiece.  The  keeper  of 
this  collection,  John  Austin,  states  that  he  has  employ- 
ed seventeen  years  in  this  business  of  training  creatures 
of  opposite  natures  to  live  together  in  content  and 
affection.  And  those  years  have  not  been  unprofitably 
employed.  It  is  not  too  much  to  believe  that  many  a 
person  who  has  given  his  half-penny  to  look  upon  this 
shew,  may  have  had  his  mind  awakened  to  the  extra- 
ordinary effects  of  habit  and  of  gentle  discipline,  when 
he  has  thus  seen  the  cat,  the  rat,  the  mouse,  the  hawk, 
the  rabbit,  the  guinea-pig,  the  owl,  the  pigeon,  the 
starling,  the  sparrow,  the  rook,  and  the  fox,  each  en- 
joying, as  far  as  can  be  enjoyed  in  confinement,  its 
respective  mode  of  life,  in  the  company  of  the  others 
^j-the  weak  without  fear,  and  the  strong  without  the 
desire  to  injure.  It  is  impossible  to  imagine  any 
prettier  exhibition  of  kindness  than  is  here  shewn  ; 
the  rabbit  and  the  pigeon  playfully  contending  for  a 
lock  of  hay  to  make  up  their  nests  ;  the  sparrow 
sometimes  perched  on  the  head  of  the  cat,  and  some- 
times on  that  of  the  owl  ;  and  the  mice  playing 
about  with  perfect  indifference  to  the  presence  of  the 
cat,  hawk,  or  owl. — See  Library  of  Entertaining 
Knowledge. 


NATURAL.  HISTORY 

OF 

BIRDS; 


ON  A  NEW  PLAN,  EXHIBITING  THEIR 

COMPARATIVE  SIZE  : 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  CAPACITIES  OF  YOUTH  ; 
WITH 

AUTHENTIC  ANECDOTES, 

ILLUSTRATING    THEIR    HABITS    AND    CHARAC- 
TERS ;    TOGETHER  WITH 

REFLECTIONS, 

J«oral  antr  Heitflfous; 

DESIGNED  FOR 

SABBATH    SCHOOL    LIBRARIES,    FAMILIES,    AND 
COMMON   SCHOOLS. 


BY  J.  L.  COMSTOGK,  M.  D. 

HARTFORD, 
PUBLISHED  BY  D.  F.  ROBINSON  &  CO. 


DISTRICT  OF  CONNECTICUT,  SS. 

y  ^  BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  sixteenth  day 
•"•  ^*  of  December,  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  J.  L.  Comstock,  of  the  said  Dis- 
trict, hath  deposited  in  this  Office  the  title  of  a  Book,  the  right 
whereof  he  claims  as  Author,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  "  Na- 
tural History  of  Birds  ;  with  Engravings,  on  a  new  plan,  exhibiting- 
their  comparative  size  :  adapted  to  the  capacities  of  youth  ;  with 
authentic  anecdotes,  illustrating  their  habits  and  characters  ;  to- 
gether with  reflections,  moral  and  religious  ;  designed  for  Sabbath 
school  libraries,  families,  and  common  schools.  By  J.  L.  Com- 
stock, M.  D."  in  conformity  to  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by 
securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  authors 
and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned.'' 
And  also  to  the  act,  entitled,  "  an  act  supplementary  to  an  act,  en- 
titled, fc  an  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of 
such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,'  and  extending  the 
benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching 
historical  and  other  prints." 

CHAS.  A.  INGERSOLL, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut 
A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 

CHAS.  A.  INGERSOLL, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut, 


PREFACE.  ^4. 

THIS  is  the  second  volume  of  a  series  of  books  on 
Natural  History,  undertaken  by  the  author,  with  the 
design  of  introducing  into  Sabbath  School  Libraries 
arid  Families,  interesting  and  instructive  truths,  in- 
stead of  those  fictitious  stories  which  are  now  so  com- 
mon in  the  hands  of  children. 

The  rapid  sale  of  the  Volume  on  Quadrupeds,  pub- 
lished a  few  months  since,  has  required  the  author  to 
redeem  the  pledge  then  made,  to  continue  the  series, 
if  warranted  by  public  approbation.  That  volume 
has  not  only  been  added  to  a  great  number  of  Sabbath 
School  Libraries,  but  has  found  its  way  into  many 
Common  Schools  ;  and  the  author  is  pleased  to  learn, 
since  its  publication,  that  the  subject  of  introducing 
Natural  History  as  a  study  into  Common  Schools, 
has  attracted  the  attention  of  many  intelligent  persons. 

He  is  also  gratified  to  learn  that  the  plan  of  gradu- 
ating the  pictures,  so  as  to  make  them  show  the  com- 
parative dimensions  of  the  animals,  is  considered  by 
the  public,  as  not  only  new,  but  highly  useful.  The 
same  plan  has,  therefore,  been  adopted  in  the  present 
volume,  and  great  care  has  been  taken  to  render  the 
pictures  accurate  in  this  respect,  and  also  to  make 
them  correct  representations  of  the  living  birds.  In 
doing  this,  considerable  difficulty  was  experienced, 
for  in  some  instances,  no  correct  drawing  of  the  birds 
could  be  found,  and  therefore  the  artist  was  under 
the  necessity  of  executing  original  drawings  from 
nature. 

A  short  description  of  each  of  the  Quadrupeds  and 
Birds  contained  in  these  volumes,  designed  expressly 
for  Infant  schools,  is  immediately  to  be  published. 
The  pictures  of  the  Quadrupeds  have  already  been 
introduced  into  many  Infant  Schools,  without  this 
appendage  ;  but  it  is  thought  that  concise  descriptions, 
in  a  separate  form,  would  greatly  assist  both  teachers 
and  learners. 

Hartford,  Jan.  1,  1830. 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 


THERE  is  no  class  of  animals,  a  knowledge  of  whose 
habits  and  manners,  is  so  much  calculated  to  make  us 
admire  the  wisdom,  the  goodness,  and  the  design  of 
the  Creator,  as  the  Birds.  The  forms  of  their  bodies, 
and  the  structure  of  their  bones,  quills,  and  feathers, 
are  so  admirably  adapted  to  their  modes  of  life,  and 
so  completely  answer  the  purposes  for  which  they 
were  made,  that  they  can  hardly  be  examined  without 
a  reference  to  Creative  wisdom  and  intelligent  design. 

The  bodies  of  birds  are  clothed  with  feathers,  one 
of  the  lightest  of  all  substances,  and  these  are  so  ar- 
ranged as  to  lie  over  each  other,  like  the  shingles  of  a 
house,  so  that  they  are  a  complete  protection  against 
the  rain,  and  the  cold. 

That  they  may  glide  easily  through  the  air,  their 
heads  are  small,  their  breasts  smooth  and  gradually 
swelling,  their  wings  flat,  and  turned  backwards,  and 
their  legs  so  placed,  as  to  make  little  resistance, 

Their  bones  and  quills  are  round  and  hollow ;  their 
lungs  are  large,  and  in  some  kinds,  the  air  passes  from 
them  into  the  bones  of  the  legs,  and  wings  ;  thus  mak- 

With  what  are  the  bodies  of  birds  covered  ? 

How  is  this  covering  arranged  ? 

What  is  the  use  of  this  covering  ? 

What  is  said  of  the  bones  and  quills  of  birds  ? 

2 


6  BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 

ing  every  part  of  the  animal  as  light  as  possible,  con- 
sistent with  sufficient  strength. 

That  the  shape  of  each  tribe  or  family  of  birds  is 
peculiarly  fitted  to  the  modes  of  life  which  they  lead, 
will  be  obvious  when  we  become  acquainted  with  their 
natural  history. 

Birds  may  be  divided  into  two  great  classes,  or 
kinds,  namely,  LAND  BIRDS  and  WATER  BIRDS. 

LAND  BIRDS. 

The  Land  Birds  may  again  be  separated  into  two 
orders,  or  divisions,  namely  Omnivorous  Birds,  and 
Carnivorous  Birds.  The  Water  Birds  may  also  be 
separated  into  two  orders,  to  wit,  the  Waders  and  the 
Swimmers. 

The  Granivorous  Birds  live  on  grain,  seeds,  and  in- 
sects. Their  food  is  taken  into  the  stomach  whole, 
where  it  is  softened  by  warmth  and  moisture.  It  then 
passes  to  the  gizzard,  where  it  is  ground  to  powder, 
and  thus  fitted  to  nourish  the  animal.  The  power  of 
the  gizzard  is  so  great  that  the  hardest  seeds  are  crush- 
ed and  reduced  to  powder  by  its  action.  To  assist  in 
the  grinding,  these  birds  swallow  a  few  little  stones, 
and  it  appears  that  these  stones  are  so  necessary  that 
chickens  or  other  birds,  when  confined  and  fed  ever 
so  well,  grow  poor  without  them.  Hence  those  who 
have  the  care  of  chickens,  either  let  them  out  once  in 

Are  the  shapes  of  birds  peculiarly  fitted  to  their  different  mode* 
of  life? 

Into  how  many  great  classes,  or  kinds,  are  birds  divided  ? 
How  are  the  land  birds  divided  ? 
i          On  what  do  Granivorous  birds  live  ? 
How  do  these  birds  grind  their  food? 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL.  7 

a  week  or  two,  or  feed  them  with  gravel  in  their  coops. 
Granivorous  birds  have  short  bills,  which  are  straight, 
or  a  little  hooked  towards  the  end.  They  have  small 
nails  on  their  toes ;  the  toes  being  divided  to  their  roots, 
are  either  fitted  for  scratching  in  the  dirt,  or  grasping 
the  limbs  of  trees,  or  for  both. 

These  birds  are  mild  and  gentle  in  their  disposi- 
tions, and  habits.  They  spend  their  lives  in  seeking 
their  food,  rearing  their  young,  and  avoiding  rapacious 
birds  and  the  snares  of  man.  To  this  order  belong 
the  Hen,  Partridge,  Canary  bird,  Sparrow,  and  many 
others. 

The  Carnivorous,  or  rapacious  birds,  live  on  animal 
food,  and  instead  of  being  mild  and  innocent  in  their 
dispositions,  they  are  ferocious  and  warlike  in  their 
manners  and  habits.  They  are  not  formed  to  live  on 
corn,  and  seeds,  since  they  are  without  gizzards  for 
grinding  them.  They  have  strong  claws  for  seizing 
and  holding  their  prey,  and  sharp,  hooked  bills,  for 
tearing  it  in  pieces.  These  birds  live  by  war  and  plun- 
der, and  prey  upon  all  such  animals  as  they  can  mas- 
ter. In  their  manners,  they  are  fierce  and  solitary, 
never  associating  together  in  flocks  like  granivorous 
birds.  They  have  uncommon  length,  and  power  of 
wing,  by  which  means  they  are  able  to  overtake  and 

What  kind  of  bills  have  these  birds? 

Are  these  birds  mild,  or  ferocious  ? 

Mention  some  of  the  birds  which  belong  to  this  order. 

On  what  do  Carnivorous  bids  live? 

Are  they  mild,  or  warlike  in  their  habits  ? 

How  are  their  bills  and  claws  formed? 

Do  these  birds  associate  in  flocks? 


S  BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 

grasp  other  birds  in  the  air.     To  this  order  belong  the 
Eagles,  Falcon,  Vultures,  and  many  others. 

WATER  BIRDS. 

The  Water  Birds  are  divided,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  into  Waders  and  Swimmers. 

The  Waders  have  long  legs,  long  necks,  and  some 
of  them  long  bills.  Most  of  them  have  their  toes  di- 
vided, like  the  Land  Birds,  but  some  of  them  are  web- 
footed  as  far  as  the  second  joint. 

These  birds  appear  admirably  fitted  in  their  forms 
for  the  mode  of  life  they  lead.  Their  long  legs  enable 
them  to  wade  about  in  the  water  in  search  of  their  food, 
while  their  long  necks  make  it  convenient  for  them 
to  seize  their  prey  while  it  is  swimming,  or  to  search 
for  it  at  the  bottom.  Some  of  them  have  long  blunt 
bills  with  which  they  probe  the  mud  and  sand,  and 
from  thence  draw  out  their  food.  Others  have  sharp 
bills,  with  which  they  strike  their  prey  as  with  a  spear. 
Those  which  have  their  feet  partly  webbed,  can  swim 
when  necessity  requires,  but  most  of  this  order  do 
not  venture  into  deep  water.  To  this  tribe  belong  the 
Cranes,  Bitterns,  Curlews  and  Snipes. 

The  Swimmers,  have  in  general  short  legs,  webbed 

What  birds  belong  to  this  order? 
How  are  the  Water  Birds  divided  ? 
How  are  the  Waders  shaped  ? 
Are  they  web-footed? 
Where  do  the  Waders  live  ? 
What  birds  belong  to  this  order? 
How  do  some  of  them  obtain  their  food? 
What  birds  belong  to  the  Waders .? 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL.  9 

feet,  necks  of  moderate  length,  and  broad,  flat  bills. 
Most  of  them  have  their  legs  placed  far  back,  by  means 
of  which  they  are  enabled  to  paddle  themselves  thro' 
the  water  with  great  swiftness. 

These  birds  are  not  only  covered  with  feathers, 
like  the  rest  of  the  race,  but  they  have  an  additional 
covering  of  down  next  the  skin,  which  completely 
protects  them  from  the  cold  as  well  as  the  water. 

The  Swimmers  live  almost  entirely  in  the  water, 
some  of  them  at  great  distances  from  the  land,  but 
most  of  them  are  found  in  bays,  and  about  the  mouths 
of  rivers,  near  the  shore. 

Their  food  consists  chiefly  of  roots,  sea-grass,  and 
small  shell-fish.  Many  of  these  birds  obtain  their 
food  by  diving  to  the  bottom  after  it,  while  others 
pick  up  theirs  along  the  shores.  To  this  order  belong 
the  Ducks,  Geese,  Penguins,  and  a  great  variety  of 
others. 

From  the  above  descriptions,  the  young  student  in 
Natural  History  can  readily  distinguish  the  different 
classes  and  orders  of  Birds  from  each  other. 

If  he  is  presented  with  a  bird,  without  knowing 
whether  it  belongs  to  the  land  or  water,  he  must  ex- 
amine the  bill,  neck,  feet  and  legs.  If  the  bill  is  of 
moderate  length,  the  neck  and  legs  short,  and  the 
toes  divided  to  their  roots,  he  may  be  certain  that  it  is 
a  Land  Bird. 

What  kind  of  legs  and  feet  have  the  Swimmers  ? 

With  what  are  they  covered,  besides  feathers  ? 

Where  do  these  birds  live  ? 

How  do  many  of  them  obtain  their  food  ? 

What  Birds  belong  to  this  Order  ? 

What  kind  of  bills,  necks  and  legs  have  the  Land  Birds  ? 

2* 


10  BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 

If  he  wishes  to  know  whether  his  bird  feeds  on 
flesh  or  grain,  this  is  determined  by  another  examina- 
tion. If  the  bill  is  hooked,  with  a  sharp  point,  the 
upper  mandible*  curving  over  the  lower  one,  and  the 
^eet  are  furnished  with  sharp  claws,  it  is  a  carnivorous 
bird,  and  lives  by  the  destruction  of  other  animals. 

If  the  bill  is  of  moderate  length,  and  nearly  straight, 
and  the  feet  are  without  sharp  claws,  it  is  a  bird  that 
feeds  on  grain  and  insects. 

Again,  suppose  the  student  is  presented  with  a  bird 
whose  legs  and  neck  are  of  uncommon  length,  or 
which  is  web  footed,  he  may  be  sure  that  it  is  a  Water 
Bird. 

If  the  legs  and  neck  are  very  long,  the  bill  sharp, 
and  the  toes  divided,  it  is  a  Wader.  But  if  the  legs 
are  short,  the  neck  of  moderate  length,  the  bill  flat, 
and  blunt,  and  the  toes  are  connected  by  a  membrane, 
it  is  a  Swimmer. 

These  general  descriptions,  although  they  will  ap- 
ply to  the  Classes  and  Divisions  at  large,  do  not  hold 
true,  in  every  individual  case.  Thus  the  Crow  and 
the  Jay,  though  their  bills  are  not  hooked,  sometimes 
destroy  small  animals  and  eat  their  flesh  ;  and  the 
Darter  and  Rail,  both  swim  in  the  water,  though  the 
first  has  a  long  neck,  and  long  sharp  bill,  and  the 
second  has  its  toes  divided  to  their  roots. 

These,  and  other  exceptions,  do  "not,  however,  af- 

Hew  can  you  tell  whether  a  bird  lives  on  grain,  or  flesh  ? 
What  is  the  difference  between  the  Waders  and  the  Swimmers:* 
Do  these  distinctions  hold  true  in  all  cases? 
What  birds  are  mentioned  as  exceptions? 

*  The  mandibles  are  the  jaws  of  birds. 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL,  II 

feel  the  great  distinctions  which  nature  has  made,  and 
on  which  these  divisions  are  founded. 

In  nearly  all  cases  where  animals  pass  from  one 
Class  or  kind  into  another,  we  find  that  it  is  through 
some  individuals,  which  partake  more  or  less  of  the 
nature  of  each  Class.  Thus,  the  division  between 
land  animals,  and  fish,  is  so  indistinct,  that  it  is  difficult 
to  say,  to  which  kind  some  individuals  belong. 

The  same  observation  may  be  made  in  respect  to 
the  birds.  There  is,  for  instance,  no  abrupt  division 
between  the  Land  and  Water  Birds,  the  Waders 
forming  a  kind  of  link  by  which  these  two  kinds  are 
connected.  Among  the  Waders  there  are  some 
which  are  tolerably  wrell  fitted  for  the  land  or  the 
water,  but  are  not  perfectly  well  adapted  for  either. 
Such  are  the  Flamingo,  the  Heron,  and  the  Pelican. 

The  same  gradual  passage  from  one  kind  to  another, 
is  observed  among  the  Land  Birds.  The  Crow,  the 
Jay,  and  several  others,  eat  both  seeds  and  flesh,  thus 
being  intermediate  between  the  granivorous  and  ra- 
pacious birds. 

INSTINCT  OF  BIRDS. 

There  is  hardly  a  more  striking  proof  of  the  wisdom 
and  benevolence  of  the  Creator,  than  is  exhibited  by 
that  mysterious  quality  which  is  called  instinct,  and 
which  is  possessed  in  a  remarkable  degree  by  the 
birds. 

The  nests  of  some  birds  are  built  with  such  exqui- 

Is  the  division  between  land  and  water  animals  very  distinct  ? 
What  order  of  Birds  are  fitted  in  a  degree  both  for  the  land  and 
water  ? 

What  Birds  eat  both  seeds  and  flesh  ? 
What  does  the  instinct  of  Birds  prove  ? 


12  BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 

site  skill,  as  at  once  to  set  all  the  art  of  man  at  defi- 
ance, and  it  is  still  more  wonderful,  that  every  bird  of 
the  same  species  should  build  its  nest  in  the  same 
form,  and  generally  of  the  same  materials.  The 
nests  of  the  Robins  are  every  where  formed  so  exact- 
ly alike,  as  that  no  difference  can  be  seen  between 
them.  The  same  remark  may  be  made  in  respect  to 
the  nests  of  the  Wren,  the  Quail,  and  indeed  of  most 
of  the  birds  with  which  we  are  acquainted.  It  makes 
no  difference  if  the  bird  has  been  brought  from  a  dis- 
tant country,  or  has  never  associated  with  any  of  its 
own  kind,  its  nest  will  still  be  like  those  of  its  owrn 
species,  almost  to  the  laying  of  a  straw.  The  situa- 
tions will  also  be  similar :  thus  the  Robin  builds  on  a 
tree,  the  Quail  on  the  ground,  and  the  Woodpecker 
in  a  hole. 

The  Great  Author  of  nature  has  also  endowed  the 
fowls  of  the  air  with  surprising  sagacity  in  the  means 
of  escaping  from  each  other,  and  from  man.  Were 
this  not  the  case,  it  is  probable  that  the  weaker  tribes 
would  soon  become  few  in  number,  being  destroyed 
by  the  stronger. 

The  Hen  appears  to  know  by  instinct,  the  enemy 
of  her  race,  though  far  distant  in  the  air,  and  will  warn 
her  chickens  to  escape  from  the  Hawk,  though  she 
had  never  seen  him  before.  The  Canary  bird,  it  is 
said,  will  tremble,  and  turn  pale  a|  the  sight  of  a 
Hawk,  while  the  sight  of  a  Dove  will  not  disturb  her. 

What  is  said  of  the  form  in  which  birds  build  their  nests  ? 

Do  all  birds  of  the  same  kind  make  their  nests  alike? 

Where  do  Robins,  Quails,  and  Woodpeckers  build  their  nesta* 

What  is  said  of  the  instinct  of  the  Hen  ? 

What  is  said  of  the  Canary  Bird  ? 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL.  13 

Fear,  and  confidence,  do  not,  in  this  case  arise  from 
experience,  since  the  little  bird,  having  always  been 
•  confined  in  its  cage,  could  have  no  knowledge  of  the 
ferocity  of  the  one,  nor  the  mildness  of  the  other. 
The  Quail  and  Partridge  will  pretend  to  be  lame  and 
wing  broken,  to  attract  attention,  while  their  young 
are  escaping ;  and  the  Night  Hawk  will  seek  a  place 
on  the  ground,  the  colour  of  which  is  so  near  its  own, 
as  not  easily  to  be  seen. 

These  are  a  few  among  the  instances  where  the 
God  of  Nature  has  taught  the  fowls  of  the  air  to  shield 
themselves  from  harm,  by  that  instinctive  power, 
which  man,  with  all  his  wisdom,  can  neither  imitate, 
nor  comprehend. 

MIGRATION  OF  BIRDS. 

Migration  signifies  the  annual  passage  of  Birds,  from 
one  country  to  another.  It  is  well  known,  that  during 
the  winter,  in  this  country,  few  birds  are  seen.  The 
Swallow,  the  Martin,  the  Robin,  and  most  other 
birds,  leave  us  on  the  approach  of  cold  weather,  and 
retire  to  a  warmer  climate. 

Each  kind  of  bird  has  a  particular  time  of  the  year, 
when  they  commence  their  flight,  and  it  is  astonishing 
with  what  exactness  they  observe  this  period.  During 
the  Autumn,  we  may  one  week  see  thousands  of 
Swallows,  or  Martens  in  the  air,  and  the  next  week 
not  one  of  these  birds  is  to  be  found.  In  the  spring, 

What  is  said  of  the  Quail  and  Partridge  ? 
What  is  said  of  the  Night  Hawk  ? 
What  is  meant  by  the  Migration  of  Birds  ? 
What  is  laid  about  the  time  of  their  migrations  ? 


14  BIRDS  IN  GENERAL. 

they  observe  the  time  of  their  coming  with  nearly 
equal  exactness,  and  hence  must  leave  the  country 
where  they  have  spent  the  winter  at  the  same  period 
every  year. 

Most  species  of  birds  assemble  together,  before  they 
begin  their  flight,  and  seem  to  hold  a  consultation  on 
the  subject  of  their  long  journey.  The  Swallows, 
Blackbirds,  Storks,  Wild  Geese,  and  many  other  spe- 
cies, perform  their  voyages  in  large  flocks. 

Some  birds  migrate  only  from  one  part  of  the  same 
country  to  another,  while  others  take  immense  jour- 
nies,  and  fly  from  one  continent,  or  quarter  of  the 
globe,  to  another. 

The  Wild  goose,  the  Crane,  and  several  other  spe- 
cies, are  supposed  to  rear  their  young  farther  to  the 
north  than  any  human  being  has  yet  penetrated,  thus 
making  journies  twice  every  year  of  three  or  four 
thousand  miles. 

Nothing  in  Natural  History  is  more  wonderful,  or 
more  unaccountable,  than  the  migration  of  birds.  It 
is  a  subject  on  which  the  reasoning,  and  the  knowledge 
of  man  is  of  little  use.  We  can  only  say  that  they 
leave  one  country  and  fly  to  another,  apparently  either 
for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  a  warmer  climate,  of  ob- 
taining food,  or  with  the  intention  of  rearing  their 
young.  But  how  they  should  know  which  way  to 
fly, — when  to  begin  their  journey, — T>r  by  what  means 

Do  most  Birds  assemble  in  flocks,  before  they  begin  their  journies? 

Where  is  it  supposed  the  Crane  and  Wild  Goose  rear  their 
young-  ? 

For  what  purpose  do  Birds  migrate  ? 

By  what  means  are  they  able  to  keep  their  course  over  ocean* 
and  continents  ,? 


BIRDS  IN  GENERAL.  15 

they  are  able  to  keep  their  course  over  vast  oceans, 
and  continents,  is  entirely  beyond  our  comprehen- 
sion. 

On  this  subject,  man  is  obliged  to  own  his  ignorance, 
and  in  silence  attribute  directly  to  the  Great  Author 
of  Nature  those  qualities  which  his  reason  cannot 
comprehend. 

USEFULNESS  OF  BIRDS. 

In  addition  to  the  pleasure  we  receive  from  seeing 
and  hearing  those  birds  that  visit  our  houses  and  culti- 
vated grounds,  we  derive  a  real  advantage  from  their 
labours.  The  vast  number  of  insects  which  they  de- 
stroy, would  often  render  the  labours  of  the  husband- 
man and  gardener  useless,  had  not  a  kind  Providence 
thus  prevented  their  increase. 

These  birds,  says  Mr.  Bewick,  are  the  industrious, 
regulating  little  messengers  of  Providence,  without 
whose  assistance  the  plough  and  spade  would  often 
find  their  labours  bestowed  in  vain  ;  and  weak  as 
these  instruments  may  appear,  without  their  aid,  in- 
stead of  a  land  of  overflowing  plenty,  adorned  with 
flowers,  and  fruits,  and  trees,  in  rich  luxuriance,  we 
should  too  frequently  meet  with  nothing  but  barren- 
ness, and  the  silence  and  dreariness  of  a  desert. 

The  number  of  insects  which  birds  destroy  is  im- 
mense, and  altogether  beyond  common  belief.  Mr. 
Bradley  in  his  Treatise  on  Husbandry,  and  Gardening, 
says,  that  a  pair  of  Sparrows  carried  to  their  nest 

How  are  birds  useful  to  the  farmer? 

What  number  of  insects  is  it  said  a  pair  of  Sparrows  destroyed 
in  a  week  ? 


16  LAND  BIRDS. 

on  an  average,  forty  caterpillars  every  hour  during 
the  day.  This  would  make  nearly  five  hundred  of 
these  insects  in  twelve  hours,  and  more  than  three 
thousand  during  a  week.  Ten  pair  would  therefore 
destroy  more  than  thirty  thousand  caterpillars  per 
week,  a  number  perhaps  sufficient,  to  ruin  all  the 
expectations  of  an  honest  gardener,  and  reduce  his 
family  to  want. 


LAND  BIRDS* 


DOMESTIC    FOWLS. 

Birds  belonging  to  this  tribe,  have  neither  hooked 
bills  for  tearing,  like  the  eagles;  nor  sharp  ones  for 
striking,  like  the  cranes  ;  but  they  have  short  thick  bills 
for  picking  up  grain,  which  is  their  principal  food. 
Some  of  them  have  strong  nails  for  scratching  in  the 
dirt,  in  search  of  insects,  worms,  and  gravel.  They 
build  their  nests  on  the  ground,  and  as  the  brood  leave 
them  as  soon  as  hatched,  little  care  is  taken  in  con- 
structing them.  To  this  tribe  belong  the  Cock  and 
Hen,  Peacock,  Guinea  Hen,  and  many  others. 


COCK  AND  HEtf. 

These  birds  are  so  universally  known,  that  to  de- 
scribe them  would  be  only  a  waste  of  time. 

The  Cock  has  been  long  a  domestic  bird,  and  it  is 


COCK  AND  HEN.  17 

well  known,  that  all  animals  when  taken  under  the 
protection  of  man  and  made  his  property,  undergo 
more  or  less  changes,  both  in  figure  and  colour. — 
Those  animals  therefore,  which  have  been  longest  in 
captivity,  have  suffered  the  greatest  changes  in  these 
respects. 

Of  all  the  feathered  race,  the  Cock  seems  to  have 
been  the  longest  in  captivity,  and  hence  he  differs  most 
widely  from  birds  of  the  same  kind,  which  have  con- 
tinued in  a  state  of  nature,  and  enjoyed  their  indepen- 
dence. 

All  wild  birds  of  the  same  kind,  which  flock  togeth- 
er, appear  alike,  and  are  marked  with  the  same  spots, 
or  are  of  the  same  colour.  Thus  one  blue  jay,  or  one 
robin,  will  give  a  correct  idea  of  all  the  other  jays, 
or  robins,  in  the  neighbourhood.  But  it  is  not  so 
with  the  Cock  and  Hen.  Some  are  red,  others  white, 
and  others  spotted  with  various  colours. 

These  birds  differ  also  in  other  respects.  Some 
Cocks  are  ornamented  with  large  and  beautiful  tails, 
while  others  are  entirely  without  this  ornament.  The 
bodies  of  some  are  covered  with  smooth  shining  plu- 
mage, while  others  are  clothed  with  feathers,  standing 
in  all  directions,  and  so  wide  are  these  differences, 
that  one  kind  which  comes  from  Japan,  is  covered  with 
hair  instead  of  feathers. 

Nor  is  this  all ;  for  there  is  as  much  difference  in  the 
size  of  them,  as  there  is  in  their  colours.  One  kind  is 
nearly  three  feet  high  ;  and  from  this  down  to  the  Ban- 
tam chicken,  which  is  little  larger  than  a  pigeon,  these 
birds  are  seen  of  all  sizes. 

All  these  varieties  of  colours  and  sizes  appear  to  be 
3 


18  COCK  AMD  HEN. 

owing  entirely  to  domestication,  and  the  difference  of 
climate  and  feeding.  This  is  known  from  comparing 
the  domestic  fowls,  with  the  original  stock  from  whence 
they  came,  which  still  exists  in  its  wild  state  in  seve- 
ral of  the  islands  of  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  also  on  the 
coast  of  Malabar,  in  the  East  Indies. 

These  fowls  are  black  and  yellow,  the  same  parts 
on  each  being  of  the  same  colour.  The  colour  of  the 
comb  is  yellow  instead  of  red,  as  among  us.  The  size 
as  well  as  the  colour  of  these  wild  birds,  is  the  same 
wherever  they  are  found.  There  is  one  peculiarity 
in  them,  which  so  far  as  we  know  is  unaccountable. 
Their  bones  when  boiled,  instead  of  being  white,  like 
those  of  our  fowls,  are  as  black  as  ebony. 

The  Cock,  when  attacked  by  one  of  his  own  kind, 
is  one  of  the  most  courageous  and  unyielding  of  all 
animals  ;  and  such  is  his  nice  sense  of  honour,  that  he 
often  commences  the  attack  himself,  because  one  of 
his  fellows  happens  to  crow  in  his  presence.  When 
the  battle  has  once  begun,  the  pride  of  both  parties 
seems  to  be  unconquerable,  and  they  will  hold  out  to 
the  last  breath,  and  die  on  the  spot,  rather  than  yield 
the  victory. 

In  these  contests,  when  one  becomes  so  exhausted 
that  he  can  no  longer  stand,  but  lies  bleeding  on  the 
ground,  the  other  crows  over  him  in  token  of  victory 
and  triumph,  thus  cruelly  insulting  his  fallen  enemy. 
When  this  is  heard,  the  poor  prostrate  bird,  as  though 
he  had  resolved  to  suffer  death  rather  than  endure  in- 
sult, jumps  up,  and  if  he  can  stand,  renews  the  battle, 
and  fights  until  his  last  breath. 

But  the  Cock  often  conducts  himself  m  quite  a  dif- 


COCK  AND  HEN.  19 

ferent  manner,  on  other  occasions  ;  for  when  he  meets 
the  hawk,  an  enemy  of  his  race,  and  the  destroyer  of 
his  brood,  his  pride  and  courage  generally  forsake 
him,  and  he  skulks  awray  into  the  first  safe  place,  leav- 
ing his  consort,  the  Hen,  to  take  care  of  herself  and 
her  chickens  in  the  best  manner  she  can. 

This  conduct  of  the  silly  brute  is  imitated  at  the 
present  day  by  some  human  beings  who  call  them- 
selves men  of  honour.  If  one  of  these  men  happen 
to  speak  a  sharp  word  to  the  other,  he  considers  it  as 
a  kind  of  crowing  over  him,  and  immediately  offers  to 
do  battle  with  him,  by  sending  him  what  is  called  a 
challenge,  that  is,  an  offer  to  fight  him  with  swords, 
pistols,  or  guns,  until  one  or  the  other  is  killed.  This 
is  culled  a  duel,  and  sometimes  when  one  is  wounded, 
but  not  quite  killed,  the  other  will  crowr  over  him,  by 
saying  that  he  is  a  coward,  unless  he  continues  to  fight 
as  long  as  he  can  hold  his  sword,  or  pistol,  in  his  hand, 
and  thus  he  is  insulted,  even  while  his  blood  is  running, 
unless  he  fights  until  he  kills,  or  is  killed  himself. 

At  the  same  time,  these  men,  who  are  so  ready  to 
spill  their  blood  in  defence  of  their  honour,  or  in  other 
words,  who  had  rather  die  than  suffer  what  they  call 
an  insult,  are  very  often,  both  of  them  cowards.  For 
let  an  enemy  come  into  their  country  and  destroy  it 
with  fire  and  sword,  and  very  likely  these  men  would 
be  the  first  to  skulk  away  into  some  safe  place,  and 
like  the  Cock,  let  their  wives  and  children  take  care 
of  themselves. 

It  is  personal  pride  therefore,  and  not  true  courage, 
which  makes  men  fight  duels,  and  kill  one  another  for 
the  sake  of  honour.  And  he  who  does  this,  it  is  quite 


20  COCK  AND  HEN 

plain,  is  as  much  guilty  of  the  bloody  crime  of  murder, 
as  he  who  lies  in  wait  and  shoots  another  because  he 
is  angry  with  him. 

The  Cock  is  however  generally  very  attentive  to  his 
females.  He  leads  them  into  the  fields  to  feed,  hard- 
ly ever  going  out  of  their  sight,  and  appearing  very 
consequential  and  happy  at  the  head  of  his  family.  If 
a  stranger  of  his  own  kind  ventures  among  the  group 
on  such  occasions,  he  instantly,  and  without  ceremony 
attacks  him,  and  if  possible  drives  the  intruder  off  the 
ground.  He  then  returns  to  his  Hens,  crows  several 
times  in  token  of  victory,  and  seems  to  expect  from 
them  some  especial  notice,  as  a  reward  for  his  bravery. 

This  bird  is  a  very  early  riser,  generally  beginning 
to  crow  at  the  dawn  of  day,  soon  after  which  he  goes 
forth  with  his  family  in  search  of  breakfast. 

The  number  of  eggs  which  some  Hens  will  lay  in  it 
year,  if  well  fed,  and  allowed  the  liberty  of  ranging  in 
the  open  air,  is  about  two  hundred.  If  left  to  herself, 
she  however  seldom  lays  more  than  twenty  eggs  be- 
fore she  shews  a  disposition  to  hatch  them.  But  if 
the  eggs  are  taken  away,  she  will  continue  to  lay  oth- 
ers, in  the  hope  of  increasing  the  number,  and  thus 
laying  the  foundation  of  a  more  numerous  family.  If 
she  is  disappointed  in  this,  and  the  season  for  hatching 
has  nearly  expired,  she  will  begin  to  sit  even  if  she  has 
only  one  or  two  eggs. 

The  nest  of  the  Hen  is  constructed  with  very  little 
care,  because  her  instinct  teaches  her  that  it  is  useless 
to  make  a  place  for  the  comfort  of  her  brood,  since 
they  leave  the  nest  and  run  about  as  soon  as  they  are 
hatched.  She  however  takes  care  that  the  place  where 


COCK  AND  HEN.  M 

She  retires  to  produce  her  family  should  be  covered 
from  the  rain,  and  as  much  as  possible  out  of  the  way 
of  such  animals  as  would  rob  her  riest. 

When  she  begins  to  sit,  she  seems  to  shew  by  her 
conduct,  that  she  is  aware  how  important  a  business 
she  has  undertaken.  On  such  occasions,  nothing  can 
exceed  her  perseverance  and  her  patience.  She  re- 
mains on  her  nest  whole  days  and  nights  in  succession, 
without  eating,  or  drinking  ;  and  when  she  is  forced, 
by  hunger,  to  leave  her  eggs  for  a  few  minutes,  she  runs 
to  the  door  of  her  mistress,  and  by  her  clucking, 
makes  known  her  wants  ;  and  having  taken  a  few  ker- 
nels of  corn,  hurries  back  to  her  charge.  If  howev- 
er she  gets  nothing  to  eat,  she  does  not  loiter  on  this 
account,  but  goes  to  her  nest,  and  if  ever  so  hungry, 
takes  care  that  her  future  brood  does  not  perish  by  her 
eggs  growing  cold  in  her  absence. 

While  sitting,  she  turns  her  eggs  over,  and  now  and 
then  puts  the  outside  ones  into  the  middle,  so  that  each 
may  be  equally  warmed.  And  when  the  time  comes 
near  for  the  chickens  to  break  their  shells,  she  seems 
still  more  anxious,  and  often  does  not  leave  her  nest  a 
moment  for  several  days,  and  as  many  nights. 

The  strongest  and  largest  chickens  burst  their  shells 
first,  while  the  weaker  ones  leave  theirs  last,  and  some- 
times die  in  attempting  to  escape.  When  all  that  are 
living  have  come  forth,  she  then  leads  them  into  the 
open  air,  and  begins  to  provide  food  for  them  in  the 
best  manner  she  is  able.  In  this  however  she  is  gen- 
erally assisted  by  her  mistress,  who  watches  the  com- 
ing of  the  brood  with  interest,  and  the  moment  she 
finds  them  moving,  supplies  all  the  necessary  provis- 
ion. 

3* 


22  COCK  AND  HEN. 

The  mother  however  does  not  stand  idle  and  see 
them  eat,  but  desirous  of  gaining  their  affection  by  her 
tender  care,  takes  up  small  particles  of  the  food,  and 
one  after  the  other  calls  them  and  puts  it  into  their 
mouths. 

At  this  time,  affection  for  her  young,  and  the  pride 
she  seems  to  feel  as  a  mother,  produces  a  remarkable 
change  in  her  character.  From  being  cowardly,  and 
voracious,  she  becomes  courageous,  and  a  very  small 
eater.  She  will  attack  any  animal,  whether  it  be  dog, 
horse,  hawk,  or  man,  which  comes  too  near  her  brood, 
and  she  wTill  eat  nothing  herself  which  her  chickens 
can  swallow,  unless  there  is  enough  for  all. 

When  marching  out  to  take  the  air,  and  find  food 
for  her  little  troop,  she  acts  as  their  guide,  and  com- 
mander. Calls  them  when  she  finds  a  morsel  fit  for 
their, food,  and  when  she  sees  a  hawk  in  the  air,  warns 
them  of  their  danger  by  a  peculiar  note,  on  hearing 
which  every  one  seeks  a  place  of  safety,  and  hide* 
itself  from  the  enemy. 

At  night,  or  in  damp  wreather,  she  gathers  them  un- 
der her  wings  to  keep  them  warm,  and  by  a  peculiar 
and  gentle  voice,  seems  to  hush  them  to  sleep. 

It  has  been  stated,  that  the  Hen  will  lay,  in  the 
course  of  the  year,  about  two  hundred  eggs,  which  i* 
twenty  times  as  many  as  she  can  hatch,  and  bring  up 
the  chickens. 

Now  it  seems  to  be  the  nature  of  man,  so  far  as  lies 
in  his  power,  to  turn  every  thing  to  his  own  profit,  or 
advantage ;  and  if  chickens  could  be  hatched,  arid  rear- 
ed in  some  artificial  manner,  they  would  yield  a  vastly 
greater  profit  than  the  eggs.  Hence  men  sought  out 


COCK  AND  HEN.  23 

and  invented  a  way  of  hatching  chickens  without 
Hens,  and  thus  by  an  unnatural  method,  of  producing 
immense  broods  without  mothers. 

The  invention  of  hatching  chickens  by  artificial  heat, 
appears  to  have  been  made  in  Egypt,  in  which  coun- 
try it  has  long  been  practised,  and  is  still  carried  on  as 
a  trade.  Men  who  follow  this  business,  go  about  seek- 
ing employment,  by  offering  to  take  charge  of  the 
ovens  in  which  chickens  are  hatched. 

These  ovens,  according  to  Mr.  Bingley,  are  of  dif- 
ferent sizes,  but  large  enough  to  contain  from  forty  to 
eighty  thousand  eggs  each.  They  are  of  very  simple 
construction,  consisting  only  of  low  arched  apartments 
of  clay.  In  these  apartments  are  two  rows  of  shelves 
on  which  the  eggs  are  laid,  care  being  taken  that  they 
should  not  touch  each  other.  Each  egg  is  slightly 
moved,  five  or  six  times  every  day.  During  the  first 
eight  days,  a  considerable  degree  of  heat  is  kept  up, 
but  after  this  time,  the  warmth  is  gradually  diminished, 
until  at  the  period  when  the  eggs  are  about  to  be 
hatched,  the  fire  is  entirely  put  out,  the  air  in  that 
country  being  sufficiently  warm  for  the  comfort  and 
health  of  the  brood.  After  they  are  hatched,  the  chick- 
ens require  very  little  care  besides  feeding,  the4  heat 
in  that  country  being  so  great,  as  not  to  make  it  ne- 
cessary to  brood,  or  cover  them,  even  in  the  night. 

The  Cock  never  sleeps  so  soundly  as  not  to  be  eas- 
ily awakened.  His  great  watchfulness  is  known  by 
his  crowing  in  the  night,  and  particularly  towards 
morning,  to  let  us  know  that  the  day  dawns,  and  that 
the  sun  is  rising  to  enlighten  the  earth. 

To  the  crowing  of  this  bird  towards  morning  our 


54  COCK  AND  HEN. 

Saviour  alludes,  when  he  exhorts  his  disciples  to  be  ev- 
er watchful  and  ready  for  his  coming.  "  Watch  ye, 
therefore,  for  ye  know  not  when  the  master  of  the 
house  cometh  ;  at  even,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock 
crowing,  or  in  the  morning."  Mark,  chap.  13th,  v.  35. 

The  Cock  crows  regularly  at  about  midnight,  as 
well  as  in  the  morning,  and  these  periods  have  been 
called  the  first  and  second  cock  crowing.  If  howev- 
er reference  is  made  to  the  crowing  of  this  bird  with- 
out mentioning  the  time,  it  is  understood  to  mean  the 
morning  crowing,  because  this  is  the  period  when  he 
is  most  commonly  heard. 

To  these  distinctions  our  Saviour  seems  to  have  re 
ferred,  when  he  warned  his  disciple  Peter,  that  he  was 
about  to  disown,  and  deny  his  Master.  "And  Jesus 
saith  unto  him,  verily  I  say  unto  thee,  that  this  day, 
even  in  this  night,  before  the  cock  crow  twice  thou  shalt 
deny  me  thrice."  Mark,  chap.  14,  verse  30. 

By  this  is  understood  that  before  the  next  morning, 
%Y  perhaps  between  midnight,  when  the  Cock  crows 
the  first  time,  and  the  dawn  of  day,  when  he  crows 
again,  that  Peter  would  deny  that  he  knew  the  Sav- 
iour. 

And  this  came  to  pass  according  to  the  prediction ; 
for  when  this  disciple  saw  his  Master  in  the  hands  of 
his  enemies,  who  were  leading  him  away  to  crucify 
him,  his  fears  for  his  own  safety  prevailed  over  his  for- 
mer attachment,  and  he  cruelly  and  deceitfully  deni- 
ed that  he  ever  knew  him.  "  And  as  Peter  was  be- 
neath, in  the  palace,  there  cometh  one  of  the  maids  of 
the  high  priest;  and  when  she  saw  Peter  warming 
himself,  she  looked  upon  him,  and  said,  and  thou  also 


COCK  AND  HEN.  25 

wast  with  Jesus  of  Nazareth."  "  But  he  denied,  say- 
ing, I  know  not  what  thou  sayest.  And  he  went  out 
into  the  porch  ;  and  the  Cock  crew."  Mark,  chapter 
14,  verses  66 — 68. 

After  this  he  was  again  accused  by  this  maid,  and 
by  another  person,  of  being  one  of  the  Saviour's  disci- 
ples, and  at  each  time  he  declared  that  he  did  not 
know  him.  And  immediately  after  the  third  denial 
the  Cock  crew  the  second  time.  So  that  the  predic- 
tion, "  Before  the  Cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny 
me  thrice,"  was  exactly  fulfilled. 

But  as  in  other  cases,  Peter's  deceitfulness  and  ly- 
ing did  not  go  unpunished,  for  his  conscience  accused 
him  of  his  crime  as  soon  as  it  was  committed,  for  he 
" remembered  the  words  of  Jesus."  "And  he  went 
out  and  wept  bitterly." 

The  Hen,  it  is  well  known,  gathers  her  chickens  un- 
der her  wings,  both  to  protect  them  from  danger  and 
to  keep  them  warm.  To  this  trait  of  tenderness  in  her 
natural  history,  our  Saviour  alludes,  when  he  address* 
ed  the  Jews,  and  warned  them  of  the  miseries  about 
to  descend  on  their  city  as  a  punishment  for  having 
rejected  his  offers  of  mercy.  "  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusa- 
lem, thou  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them 
which  are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have  gath- 
ered thy  children,  even  as  a  Hen  gathereth  her  chick- 
ens under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not."  Matthew, 
chapter  23,  verse  37. 

How  beautifully,  and  how  affectionately  does  this 
express  the  Saviour's  love  towards  rebellious  men. 
Even  after  they  had  rejected,  and  despised  him,  and 
his  warnings,  still  he  was  willing  to  take  them  under 


26  THE  PEACOCK. 

his  divine  protection,  as  a  Hen  gathers  her  chickens 
under  her  wings,  and  to  save  them  from  everlasting 
ruin. 


THE  PEACOCK. 

There  are  only  four  species  of  the  Peacock  known. 
Of  these,  two  are  found  in  Asia,  one  in  Africa,  and 
one  in  China.  The  kind  known  and  domesticated  in 
Europe  and  America,  came  originally  from  Asia. 
They  are  all  birds  of  large  size  and  great  beauty. 
Their  food  is  corn,  herbs  and  insects. 

THE  CRESTED  PEACOCK. 

[This  is  our  common  Peacock.] 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Crested  Peacock  ? 

The  Crested  Peacock  is  about  five  feet  long,  the 
tail  being  three  feet  and  a  half,  and  the  body  one  foot 
and  a  half. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird? 

The  shape  of  this  bird  is  in  some  respects  very 
beautiful.  The  head  is  small,  and  crowned  with  a 
crest,  consisting  of  a  few  straight  feathers  ;  the  neck 
is  long  and  small,  tapering  most  gracefully  from  the 
breast  upwards  ;  the  body  is  of  considerable  size  ;  the 
wings  short,  and  the  tail  very  large  and  long. 

What  is  the  colour  of  the  Peacock  ? 

Its  colours  are  very  splendid,  and  so  arranged,  as 
to  produce  the  most  striking  effect.  The  back  and 
wings  are  of  a  light  ash  colour,  mingled  with  black : 
the  head,  neck,  and  breast  are  greenish  blue,  with  a 
gloss,  which,  in  the  sun,  appears  exceedingly  brilliant ; 


THE  PEACOCK.  27 

the  eyes  are  set  between  two  stripes  of  white ;  the 
feathers  of  the  tail,  are  a  changeable  mixture  of  green, 
blue,  purple  and  gold  ;  towards  the  end,  each  one  has 
a  dark  spot,  surrounded  with  gold  and  green,  appear- 
ing like  eyes.  The  whole  of  this  train  the  bird  can 
spread  into  the  form  of  a  half  circle,  when  it  becomes 
one  of  the  most  brilliant  and  beautiful  objects  ima- 
ginable. 

The  Peacock,  though  a  native  of  Asia,  was  at  a 
very  early  period  carried  to  various  parts  of  the 
world.  In  the  days  of  Solomon,  we  find  that  these 
birds  were  imported  from  the  east,  in  order  to  gratify 
the  taste  of  that  monarch  for  the  beautiful  productions 
of  nature.  Among  other  articles  which  his  ships 
brought  him,  are  mentioned  "  gold,  silver,  ivory,  apes, 
and  Peacocks."  First  of  Kings,  chap.  10,  verse  22. 

Among  the  Romans,  in  their  days  of  luxury  and 
extravagance,  Peacocks  were  held  in  the  highest  esti- 
mation ;  and  the  person  who  first  ordered  them  to  be 
served  up  at  his  table,  as  an  article  of  food,  became  so 
celebrated  on  this  account,  that  his  name  is  known  to 
this  day. 

After  their  first  introduction  to  the  table,  it  soon  be- 
came fashionable  among  the  great  men  at  Rome  to  eat 
Peacocks ;  not  probably  on  account  of  their  goodness, 
but  because  their  expense  was  such  as  to  prevent 
most  people  from  offering  so  costly  a  dish  ;  so  that 
the  man  who  first  undertook  the  business  of  fattening 
them  for  the  markets,  made  his  fortune  by  the  trade. 
In  Greece,  at  one  period,  these  birds  were  so  highly 
esteemed,  that  the  price  of  a  pair  of  them  was  more 
than  a  hundred  dollars  our  money  ;  and  we  are  told, 


28  THE  PEACOCK. 

that  when  Alexander  the  Great  was  in  India,  he  was 
so  struck  with  their  beauty,  that  he  laid  a  heavy  fine 
and  punishment  on  any  person  who  should  in  any 
manner  wound,  or  injure  them. 

At  this  time,  when  a  pair  was  carried  to  Athens, 
the  rich  went  from  all  parts  of  Greece,  for  no  other 
purpose  than  to  behold  so  great  a  curiosity  ;  each  per- 
son paying  a  certain  sum  for  the  sight. 

In  what  mannerthe  Romans  cooked  their  Peacocks, 
we  are  not  informed,  but  at  the  present  day,  after  the 
highest  seasoning,  their  flesh  is  still  black,  tough,  and 
when  compared  with  that  of  other  birds,  but  very- 
poor  and  insipid  eating. 

How  long  Peacocks  were  considered  a  delicious,  as 
well  as  a  costly  article  of  diet,  does  not  appear  ;•  but 
in  the  time  of  King  Francis  First,  of  France,  about  the 
beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century,  these  birds  were 
still  used  at  the  entertainments  of  the  great,  though 
they  were  not  eaten. 

At  that  time,  the  fashion  was  to  take  off  the  skin, 
and  then  having  prepared  the  flesh  with  spices  and 
salt,  the  skin  was  again  drawn  on,  so  that  the  bird  ap- 
peared in  full  plumage,  and  was  in  no  way  injured  by 
this  preparation. 

Thus  fitted  up  for  service,  it  was  kept  for  many 
years,  to  be  set  on  the  table  in  full  dress,  on  great 
occasions.  At  weddings,  and  other  high  times,  they 
filled  the  beak  and  throat  of  the  bird  with  cotton  and 
camphor,  which  was  set  on  fire  for  the  entertainment 
of  the  company. 

For  the  beauty  of  its  plumage,  few  of  the  feathered 
race  can  compare  with  the  Peacock.  But  this  pooi 


THE  PEACOCK.  29 

bird  can  boast  of  nothing  but  outside  show.  His 
voice,  which  is  a  kind  of  scream,  is  unpleasant,  and 
even  shocking  to  the  ear  ;  his  legs  are  black,  and  so 
homely,  that  it  is  said  he  will  never  look  at  them  him- 
self. He  is  a  voracious  eater,  and  devours  plants, 
seeds,  corn  and  insects,  without  distinction.  In  gar- 
dens, and  planted  fields,  he  is  such  an  intolerable  nui- 
sance, that  his  owner  is  often  obliged  to  pay  money 
for  the  damage  he  commits. 

The  disgusting  habits  and  bad  conduct  of  this  bird, 
therefore,  make  him  a  disagreeable  companion,  not- 
withstanding his  beauty.  So  that  those  who  are  well 
acquainted  with  him,  take  little  notice  of  his  dress,  his 
character  being  a  matter  of  much  more  consequence 
to  them  than  the  fine  appearance  of  his  feathers. 

Let  this  be  a  lesson  to  those  who  expect  that  per- 
sonal beauty,  and  external  show,  rather  than  good 
qualities,  will  gain  them  permanent  respect,  and  virtu- 
ous influence  in  the  world.  The  truth  is,  that  person- 
al beauty,  like  the  Peacock's  plumage,  after  being  a 
little  while  admired,  if  not  combined  with  other 
charms,  is  every  where  soon  forgotten,  or  despised. 

Let  a  person  be  ever  so  gaudily  dressed,  and  ever 
so  handsome,  if  he  is  disgusting  in  his  manners,  and 
overbearing  in  his  conduct,  he  will  soon  find  himself 
shunned  and  hated  by  every  body ;  whereas  a  person 
of  amiable  and  obliging  manners,  if  neither  handsome 
in  person,  nor  dressed  in  fine  clothes,  will  always  be 
beloved,  and  always  have  influence,  wherever  he  goes. 
Who  would  not  rather  possess  the  modest  Quaker 
4 


80  THE  GROUS. 

dress  of  the  turtle  dove,  with  its  endearing  manners, 
than  all  the  beauty  of  the  Peacock,  with  his  voracious 
appetite  and  pernicious  habits. 


THE  GROUS. 

Birds  of  the  Grous  kind  have  thick  short  bills,  the 
upper  mandible  being  a  little  longer  than  the  lower 
one,  and  slightly  bent  at  the  end.  Their  toes  are  four 
in  number,  three  forward,  of  which  the  middle  one  is 
much  the  longest,  and  one  backward,  which  is  quite 
short. 

They  fly  very  swiftly,  but  their  wings  are  so  short, 
that  they  cannot  continue  their  flight  to  any  great  dis- 
tance. They  skulk  in  the  woods,  and  are  seen  with 
difficulty,  except  when  on  the  wing. 

To  this  tribe  belong  the  Grous,  Partridge,  and  some 
others. 

THE  PINNATED  GROUS. 

How  large  is  the  Pinnated  Grous  ? 

The  Pinnated  Grous  is  a  foot  and  a  half  long,  and 
with  the  wings  extended  two  feet  and  three  inches 
wide.  It  has  a  second  pair  of  wings  on  the  neck. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird? 

Its  colour  on  the  back,  is  yellowish  brown,  spotted 
with  black  ;  the  throat  is  marked  with  touches  of  red- 
dish brown,  black,  and  white  ;  the  breast  is  marked 
across  with  spots  of  black  and  brown  ;  the  comb  is  of 
an  elegant  yellow,  and  in  the  form  of  a  half  moon  ; 
under  the  neck-wings,  there  are  spots  of  loose, 


THE  GROUS.  31 

naked  skin,  about  the  size  and  colour  of  an  orange  ; 
the  tail  is  short,  and  of  a  pale  brown. 

What  is  the  form  of  this  Grous  ? 

The  form  of  the  Pinnated  Grous,  as  well  as  its  col- 
our, very  much  resemble  those  of  the  Partridge. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  several  parts  of  the  United 
States,  but  is  scarce,  and  only  inhabits  particular 
places. 

The  figure  of  this  bird  is  from  Wilson.  It  is  a  male, 
and  represented  in  the  act  of  strutting.  The  neck- 
wings  are  raised  up,  so  that  the  peculiar  yellow  spot 
under  them  is  to  be  seen.  The  principal  wings  are 
partly  spread,  and  pushed  towards  the  ground,  so  as 
nearly  to  hide  the  legs.  The  head  and  tail  are  raised 
high,  giving  him  on  the  whole  a  very  proud,  and  pom- 
pous appearance. 

Mr.  Wilson  states,  that  when  he  first  saw  a  number 
of  these  birds,  they  were  in  the  act  of  strutting,  and 
that  the  figure  they  cut  was  so  novel  and  singular,  that 
instead  of  shooting  at  them,  he  took  out  his  paper  and 
drew  the  picture  of  one  on  the  spot. 

This  Grous  is  very  particular  in  the  selection  of  its 
place  of  residence.  Open,  dry  plains,  with  only  a 
few  trees  on  them,  but  which  are  overgrown  with 
shrubs,  are  its  favourite  haunts.  They  are  never 
found  in  high  forests,  nor  in  low  marshy  places.  Pro- 
bably the  reason  for  this  may  be  that  they  fly  in  a 
straight  line,  their  wings  not  being  calculated  to  make 
short  turns  among  the  trees  of  a  thick  forest.  And, 
their  food  is  not  found  in  marshy  ground,  as  it  consists 
chiefly  of  the  small  acorns  which  grow  on  the  shrub 


V 


32  THE  GROUS. 

oak,    and   of   such   berries    as   grow  only    on  dry 
ground. 

The  Pinnated  Grous,  it  is  believed,  never  drinks 
from  brooks  or  puddles  of  water,  like  other  birds.  In 
confinement,  it  will  not  drink  from  a  cup,  but  when 
water  is  thrown  on  the  cage,  it  will  only  sip  the  drops 
which  trickle  down  on  the  bars.  It  is  most  probable, 
from  this  habit,  that  when  in  a  wild  state,  this  bird 
drinks  only  the  drops  of  dew  which  it  finds  on  plants. 

These  birds  are  much  attached  to  the  place  where 
they  take  up  their  residence,  and  from  year  to  year 
may  be  found  within  certain  limited  tracts  of  country, 
and  perhaps  no  where  else  within  hundreds  of  miles 
of  that  place.  In  such  tracts  they  rear  their  young, 
range  through  their  particular  haunts,  and,  unless  de- 
stroyed by  the  sportsman,  die  of  old  age,  without  once 
going  beyond  a  circuit  of  a  few  miles. 

A  great  peculiarity,  which  marks  the  appearance  of 
this  bird,  are  the  yellow  bags,  or  pouches,  situated  on 
the  neck,  and  under  the  forward  wings  of  the  male. 
When  he  is  at  rest,  this  skin  hangs  loose,  and  in  folds. 
But  he  has  the  power  of  filling  them  with  air,  and 
when  this  is  done,  they  resemble,  both  in  colour  and 
size,  a  couple  of  oranges,  fully  ripe. 

By  means  of  these  bags,  when  thus  filled,  he  has  the 
power  of  making  a  very  peculiar  noise,  which  may 
easily  be  imitated,  but  cannot  be  described  by  words. 
It  may  however  be  compared  in  tone  to  that  made  by 
the  nighthawk,  when  he  descends  from  his  towering 
height  towards  the  earth,  but  instead  of  one,  it  consists 
of  three  notes,  the  last  of  which  is  twice  as  long  as  the 
others.  This  noise  may  be  heard  on  a  still  morning 


THE  GROUS.  33 

three  or  four  miles,  and  yet  when  it  is  made  within  a 
few  rods  of  a  person  who  had  never  heard  it  before, 
he  would  think  it  a  mile  or  two  off.  This  singular 
circumstance  seems  to  be  owing  to  the  manner  in 
which  the  noise  is  made,  for  as  we  have  already  sta- 
ted, it  is  done  by  means  of  the  two  bags  on  each  side 
of  his  neck  ;  and  it  is  probably  by  forcing  the  air  from 
them  through  the  wind  pipe,  and  before  it  reaches  the 
bill,  that  the  sound  is  produced.  In  this  respect,  it 
resembles  the  tones  made  by  men  who  are  called 
ventriloquists,  and  who  have  the  power  of  speaking 
with  a  voice  so  deep  in  the  throat  as  to  make  it  appear 
at  a  distance,  though  the  person  who  makes  it  stands 
next  to  the  hearer. 

The  Creator  has  made  every  tribe  of  birds  as  well 
as  other  animals,  with  some  peculiar  traits,  which  dis- 
tinguish them  from  all  other  kinds,  and  by  which  each 
kind  may  be  known  as  certainly  as  the  features  of  the 
human  face  distinguish  one  person  from  another. 

Each  tribe,  also,  is  endowed  with  such  habits  and 
shapes,  as  best  fit  them  for  the  stations  and  places 
which  they  occupy.  And  we  may  observe,  also,  that 
each  kind  has  a  mode  of  escape,  or  of  protection  from 
their  enemies,  which  is  peculiar  to  themselves,  and 
which  is  particularly  adapted  to  their  situation.  In 
the  Grous,  a  bird  which  cannot  fly  to  a  great  distance, 
one  mode  of  escape,  is  the  power  of  uttering  a  sound 
so  deceptive  as  to  seem  at  a  distance,  when,  in  fact, 
it  is  quite  near,  and,  at  the  same  time,  so  loud,  as  to 
appear  near,  when  it  is  several  miles  off.  In  this  man- 
ner the  hunter  is  deceived  and  misled,  and  knows  not 
where  to  look  for  his  game,  and  thus  the  bird  escapes. 
4* 


34  THE  GROUS. 

This  wonderful  contrivance  is  singularly  well  adapt 
ed  to  a  bird,  like  the  Grous,  which,  by  its  habits,  is 
confined  within  narrow  limits,  so  that  the  sportsman 
can  know  pretty  nearly  where  it  is  to  be  found. 

We  cannot  but  admire  the  benevolence  of  the 
Creator  in  thus  forming  a  poor  bird  with  such  singular 
and  wonderful  means  of  escaping  from  its  enemies. 

The  males  of  these  curious  birds  have  a  practice  of 
assembling  together,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  what 
may  be  very  properly  called  a  strutting  match. 

The  spot  which  they  select  for  these  struttings  must 
be  clear  of  bushes,  and  is  generally  a  small  open  place, 
as  much  retired  from  the  observation  of  the  world  as 
possible.  Towards  the  dawn  of  day,  the  company 
begin  to  assemble,  and  sometimes  the  party  consists 
of  forty  or  fifty  members.  When  it  begins  to  grow 
light,  one  or  two  of  them  begin  to  make  the  peculiar 
noise  already  described,  when  those  who  are  absent 
appear,  one  after  another,  from  the  surrounding  bush- 
es. The  ceremony  then  begins,  and  each  member 
struts  according  to  the  best  of  his  ability  ;  every  one 
trying  to  outdo  the  others  in  affected  pomp  and  state- 
liness.  Sometimes,  as  two  pass  each  other,  they 
exchange  looks  of  insult  and  defiance,  probably  be- 
cause the  one  sees  that  the  other  looks  as  well  as  him- 
self. These  looks  often  lead  to  desperate  battles,  in 
which  both  parties  engage  with  great  spirit  and  fierce- 
ness, and  sometimes  they  continue  to  fight  until  the 
rising  of  the  sun,  which  is  always  the  signal  for  the 
party  to  break  up,  each  one  then  going  his  own  way. 

The  places  where  these  birds  hold  such  exhibitions 
are  sometimes  discovered  by  the  marks  of  their  feet  in 


THE  GROUS,  35 

the  dirt,  and  the  feathers  left  on  the  ground,  and  this 
is  a  sad  discovery  for  the  poor  Grous,  as  it  generally 
ends  in  the  death  of  some  of  the  party. 

The  sportsman  who  finds  such  a  place,  goes  in  the 
day  time  and  builds  for  himself  a  hiding  place  of  bush- 
es near  the  spot,  and  on  the  next  morning  takes  care 
to  be  in  it,  before  the  dawn  of  day.  The  poor  Grous, 
not  suspecting  any  mischief,  go  to  the  place  and  be- 
gin their  sports  as  usual,  when  the  gunner  shoots 
among  them  and  destroys  as  many  as  he  can. 

Among  sportsmen,  whether  they  go  out  for  profit, 
or  amusement,  and  also  among  the  lovers  of  delicate 
morsels,  there  is  no  bird  more  sought  after,  or  more 
famous  than  the  Grous.  On  this  account,  they  have 
of  late  years  become  exceedingly  rare,  so  that  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  a  pair  not  uncommonly  sells  for 
five  dollars. 

The  female  Grous  makes  her  nest  on  the  ground, 
but  is  so  sly  about  the  place,  that  it  is  rarely  discover- 
ed. She  leads  her  brood  out  in  search  of  provisions, 
like  the  common  hen,  and,  like  her,  takes  care  of  the 
family  without  any  assistance  from  the  male. 

These  birds  cannot  be  tamed,  for  on  hatching  their 
eggs  under  a  hen,  it  is  found  that  the  young  ones  make 
their  escape  into  the  woods  as  soon  as  they  can  fly.* 

*  See  Wilson's  Ornithology. 


36  THE  PARTRIDGE. 

THE  PARTRIDGE. 

[Tins  bird  in  the  Southern  States  is  called  Pheasant.] 

How  large  is  the  Partridge? 

The  Partridge  is  a  foot  and  a  half  long,  and  nearly 
two  feet  in  extent,  with  the  wings  spread. 

What  is  its  colour  ? 

On  the  back,  upper  part  of  the  wings,  and  neck,  it 
is  spotted,  or  variegated  with  black,  reddish  brown, 
pale  brown,  and  white  ;  on  each  side  of  the  neck  there 
is  a  large  black  spot ;  a  broad  black  stripe  runs  across 
the  tail,  on  each  side  of  which  there  is  a  narrow  one 
of  pale  blue  ;  tiie  under  parts  are  pale  blue  spotted 
with  brown. 

Where  is  the  Partridge  found  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 

Of  what  use  is  this  bird  ? 

The  Partridge  is  of  considerable  use  as  an  article  of 
food.  During  the  fall,  and  beginning  of  winter,  great 
numbers  of  them  are  taken,  either  in  traps,  or  snares, 
and  carried  to  market. 

This  beautiful  bird  lives  chiefly  among  mountains, 
covered  with  evergreen  trees,  such  as  the  pine,  hem- 
lock and  laurel.  Its  place  of  residence  is  entirely 
different  from  that  of  the  grous.  The  Partridge 
loves  thick  shady  places,  which  are  cool  in  summer, 
and  warm  in  winter,  while  the  grous  prefers  open, 
barren,  plains,  where  it  is  hot  in  summer  and  cold  in 
winter.  The  grous  is  never  found  on  the  ground 
occupied  by  the  Partridge,  nor  is  the  Partridge  often 
seen  on  the  plains  with  the  grous. 

The  habits  of  the  Partridge  are  very  solitary,  there 
being  seldom  found  more  than  four  or  five  together, 


THE  PARTRIDGE.  37 

and  more  commonly  only  one  or  two  are  seen  at  a 
time. 

Every  one  who  lives  in  the  neighbourhood  of  these 
birds,  has  heard  the  noise  which  they  make  with  their 
wings,  and  which  is  called  drumming.  This  noise  is 
often  mistaken  for  the  low  rumbling  of  distant  thunder, 
and  may  be  heard,  in  a  calm  morning,  at  the  distance 
of  a  mile,  or  more.  It  is  made  only  by  the  male,  who, 
seated  on  some  fallen  tree,  strikes  his  wings  on  each 
side  of  it,  at  first  slowly,  and  distinctly,  after  which 
the  strokes  are  quickened,  and  become  so  rapid  as  to 
run  into  each  other,  resembling  the  rolling  of  a  drum. 
It  is  singular  that  a  person  even  after  hearing  the 
Partridge  drum  many  times,  cannot  form  a  correct 
judgment  of  its  distance  from  him,  it  always  being 
further  off  than  he  suspects.  Gunners  who  do  not 
well  know  the  habits  of  this  bird,  often  think  they  have 
their  game  quite  near,  when  in  fact  it  is  half  a  mile, 
or  more,  from  them. 

The  Partridge  makes  her  nest  on  the  ground,  and, 
like  other  birds  of  this  kind,  takes  very  little  care 
about  its  construction.  A  few  dry  leaves  in  some 
concealed  place,  are  all  that  she  requires. 

As  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  they  leave  the 
nest,  under  the  direction  of  their  mother,  in  search  of 
food  ;  and  it  is  quite  interesting  and  curious  to  observe 
the  early  habits  of  these  little  creatures.  If  the  mo- 
ther happens  to  be  surprised  at  the  head  of  her  fami- 
ly, she  instantly  utters  a  note  of  alarm,  which  is  as 
instantly  understood  and  obeyed  by  them  all ;  for  in  a 
second  or  two,  every  one  conceals  itself  so  cunningly 
among  the  leaves,  that  it  is  rare  one  can  be  found. 


38  THE  PARTRIDGE. 

While  the  young  are  doing  this,  the  old  bird  acts  her 
part  to  admiration.  She  tumbles,  or  rolls  along  on  the 
ground,  and  pretends  that  her  wings  and  legs  are 
broken,  so  that  the  person,  instead  of  searching  for 
the  young,  is  made  to  believe  he  can,  in  the  first  place, 
catch  the  mother  without  difficulty.  When  she  has 
led  the  intruder  a  few  rods  from  h  er  young  in  this 
way,  she  all  at  once  takes  wing,  and  is  out  of  sight  in 
a  moment. 

The  Partridge  does  not,  like  most  of  our  birds, 
migrate  into  a  warmer  climate  during  the  winter,  but 
is  a  constant  inhabitant  among  us. 

Mr.  Wilson  relates  a  curious  anecdote  of  one  of 
these  birds.  While  walking  in  the  woods,  he  started 
a  mother  with  only  a  single  young  one,  which  appear- 
ed to  be  only  a  few  days  old.  The  old  bird  fluttered 
before  him  as  usual,  for  a  moment,  and  then,  as  though 
she  recollected  a  surer  way  of  saving  her  young, 
suddenly  flew  back,  and  seizing  it  with  her  bill,  to  his 
astonishment,  rose  above  the  woods,  and  with  great 
rapidity  and  steadiness,  flew  out  of  his  sight  with  it 
in  her  mouth. 

This,  continues  Mr.  Wilson,  was  a  striking  instance 
of  something  more  than  what  is  termed  blind  instinct. 
The  bird  acted  as  the  circumstances  required.  To 
carry  away  a  whole  brood  in  this  manner  at  once, 
would  have  been  impossible,  and  to  attempt  to  save 
one  and  leave  the  others,  would  have  been  unnatural. 
She  therefore  usually  takes  the  only  possible  mode  of 
saving  a  whole  brood,  by  feigning  herself  lame  and 
unable  to  fly,  so  as  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  per- 
son who  intrudes  upon  her.  But  in  the  present  in- 


THE  PARTRIDGE.  39 

stance,  having  only  a  single  young  one,  she  altered 
her  plan,  and  adopted  the  most  simple  and  effectual 
mode  of  saving  it. 

This  bird  is  not  easily  seen  while  sitting  still  among 
the  leaves,  and  of  this  she  seems  to  be  aware,  for  she 
will  permit  a  person,  if  not  seen  herself,  to  come  with- 
in a  few  yards  of  her,  before  she  flies.  But  if  seen, 
and  the  person  skulks  along  shyly,  now  and  then  giv- 
ing her  a  look,  she  will  commonly  fly  before  he  gets 
near  her. 

In  other  respects,  the  Partridge,  particularly  when 
young,  is  so  silly  as  not  to  make  use  of  the  most  com- 
mon means  of  escape.  When  a  brood,  which  are  just 
old  enough  to  fly,  are  started,  they  usually  rise  up  and 
light  on  the  nearest  tree,  and  there  sit,  particularly  if 
much  noise  is  made  below,  until  each  one  in  turn,  is 
shot  down  by  the  sportsman.  They  seem  to  be  so 
amazed,  both  at  the  noise,  and  at  seeing  each  other 
fall,  as  not  to  have  the  power  of  moving.  The  flesh 
of  this  bird  has  the  finest  flavour  in  the  months  of  Sep- 
tember and  October,  when  they  feed  on  chesnuts  and 
partridge  berries.  The  latter,  which  are  also  known 
under  the  name  of  winter-green  berries,  give  their 
flesh  a  peculiarly  fine  flavour. 

The  Partridge  is  twice  mentioned  in  the  sacred 
scriptures. 

When  David  expostulated  with  Saul,  concerning  his 
cruel  and  unjust  conduct  towards  him,  and  particular- 
ly his  pursuit  of  him  from  place  to  place,  he  says ; 
"  The  king  of  Israel  is  come  out  to  seek  a  flea,  as 
when  one  doth  hunt  a  Partridge,  in  the  mountains," 
First  of  Samuel,  chap.  26,  verse  20. 


40  THE  PARTRIDGE. 

In  the  East,  as  these  birds  cannot  fly  very  far  with- 
out lighting,  it  is  said  they  are  hunted,  by  watching 
the  spot  where  they  light,  and  then  suddenly  starting 
them  again  ;  and  that  by  doing  this  several  times,  they 
become  so  fatigued  as  to  be  taken  without  difficulty, 
even  with  the  hand. 

It  is  probable,  that  it  is  to  this  mode  of  hunting 
them,  the  allusion  is  made  ;  and  it  strikingly  repre- 
sents the  defenceless  condition  of  David,  and  the  hum- 
ble and  lowly  opinion  he  had  of  himself.  He  was 
as  innocent  before  Saul,  as  this  harmless  bird  was  be- 
fore the  hunter,  and  as  incapable  of  resisting  his  cruel 
enemy,  except  by  the  interposition  of  the  Almighty, 
as  the  Partridge  is  of  standing  against  the  force  of  its 
pursuer.  But  David  trusted  in  God  for  protection 
and  safety,  against  all  the  power  of  his  cruel  enemy ; 
and  in  this  he  was  not  disappointed,  for  the  Almighty 
delivered  him  unhurt  from  all  the  snares  of  his  pur- 
suer. 

The  other  passage  where  this  bird  is  mentioned,  is 
in  Jeremiah,  chapter  17,  and  verse  11,  and  is  in  allu- 
sion to  the  curse  which  attends  riches,  when  obtained 
by  fraud  or  oppression.  "  As  the  Partridge  sitteth  on 
eggs,  and  hatcheth  them  not ;  so  he  that  getteth  riches, 
and  not  by  right,  shall  leave  them  in  the  midst  of  his 
days,  and  his  end  shall  be  a  fool." 

The  Partridge  lays  her  eggs  on  the  ground,  and,  as 
wre  have  already  stated,  takes  very  little  pains  in  the 
construction  of  her  nest.  When  she  begins  to  sit, 
her  instinct  teaches  her  to  expect  a  large  brood,  but  it 
often  happens,  that  by  reason  of  the  rain,  or  some  other 


THE  QUAIL.  41 

misfortune,  few  of  her  eggs  produce  young  birds,  and 
thus  she  sets  without  hatching,  and  is  disappointed. 

So  it  is  with  men  who  gain  wealth  by  unjust  means. 
They  for  a  time,  perhaps,  may  enjoy  themselves, 
and  are  looking  forward  for  much  happiness  in  the 
world  ;  but  even  in  this  life,  such  people  are  often 
disappointed.  They  brood  over  their  ill-gotten  riches, 
and  are  in  constant  fear,  lest  they  should,  in  one  way 
or  another,  be  taken  from  them.  Their  consciences 
accuse  them  of  having  been  guilty  of  fraud,  and  they 
are  in  continual  apprehension  that  some  circumstance 
will  suddenly  reveal  to  the  world  their  dishonesty. 
Thus  riches,  when  obtained  by  fraud,  or  oppression, 
become  the  cause  of  misery,  instead  of  being  a  source 
of  comfort  and  happiness. 

Then  let  us  always  remember,  "  that  honesty  is  the 
best  policy,"  and  that  we  had  much  better  be  poor 
and  happy,  than  rich  and  miserable.  Let  us  also  re- 
member, that  if  dishonest  gain  is  often  a  source  oi 
trouble  and  misery  in  this  world,  it  will  be  still  more 
so  in  the  world  to  come,  for  on  the  great  day  of  ac- 
count, all  our  secret  frauds  will  not  only  be  published 
to  the  assembled  universe,  but  we  shall  be  punished 
according  to  the  deeds  done  in  the  body. 


THE  QUAIL. 

[In  some  parts  of  America,  this  bird  is  called  Partridge.] 

How  large  is  the  Quail  ? 

The  Quail  is  nine  inches  long,  and  fourteen  inches 
in  extent,  with  the  wings  spread. 
5 


THE  QUAIL. 

What  is  its  colour? 

Its  general  colour  is  reddish  brown,  spotted  will* 
black ;  over  the  eyes  and  running  down  the  neck  there 
is  a  patch  of  white  ;  the  breast,  and  under  parts,  are 
pale  yellow,  spotted  with  black  ;  the  throat  is  white, 
and  the  legs  pale  ash  colour. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Quail  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  United  States  from 
Canada  to  Florida,  It  is  also  found  in  almost  every 
part  of  Europe. 

Of  what  use  is  the  Quail  ? 

This  bird  is  much  esteemed  as  an  article  of  food. 
In  autumn  and  at  the  beginning  of  winter,  it  is  very 
fat  and  plump,  and  is  then  considered  a  delicacy  for  the 
table. 

The  particular  places  where  Quails  love  to  reside, 
are  not  among  the  mountains,  like  the  partridge,  nor 
on  the  barren  plains,  with  the  grous,  but  about  cultiva- 
ted fields,  and  in  open  places  around  the  borders  of 
woodlands.  Sometimes  they  venture  even  to  the  barn 
yard,  where  they  feed  with  the  poultry,  and  if  not 
frightened  away,  will  become  so  tame  as  to  pick  up 
corn  when  thrown  them. 

These  poor  birds  are,  however,  every  where  perse- 
cuted and  destroyed  ;  not  on  account  of  the  mischief 
they  do,  but  because  their  flesh  is  a  delicate  morsel  to 
the  taste  of  man.  No  wild  bird  of  equal  value  is  so 
easily  taken.  Their  simplicity,  and  want  of  suspicion, 
lead  them  inta  traps  and  snares,  which  the  more  cun- 
ning and  sagacious  of  the  feathered  race  take  care  to 
shun.  Almost  every  boy  in  the  country,  during  the 
fall  and  winter,  is  armed  with  a  gun,  or  the  more  in- 
sidious Quail  trap,  for  their  destruction ;  and  did  they 


THE  QUAIL.  43 

not  multiply  in  great  numbers,  it  is  not  easy  to  see 
why  the  whole  race  would  not  be  exterminated. 

Quails  build  their  nests  about  walls,  or  fences,  or  in 
the  open  fields,  under  a  bush,  or  thick  tuft  of  grass  ; 
and  in  its  construction  they  employ  more  industry 
than  most  birds  of  this  kind.  The  materials  are  dry 
grass,  and  the  nest  is  covered  over  on  the  top,  to  se- 
cure it  from  the  rain.  In  front  there  is  a  door  way,  or 
entrance  for  the  bird. 

Quails  lay  from  twelve  to  twenty- four  eggs;  and  as 
soon  as  the  young  crawl  out  of  their  shells,  they  are 
ready  to  follow  their  mother  in  search  of  flies,  and 
small  insects  for  food. 

Should  a  person  surprise  this  beautiful  little  family, 
he  could  not  but  be  interested  to  observe  the  art  which 
both  mother  and  young  employ  to  escape  from  harm. 
The  old  bird,  like  the  partridge,  makes  use  of  false  pre- 
tences, to  gain  the  attention  of  the  intruder,  but  it  is 
done  in  a  stiil  more  artful  manner.  She  pretends  by 
her  actions,  that  she  is  not  only  sorely  wounded,  and 
unable  to  get  out  of  the  way,  but  that  her  case  is  des- 
perate ;  for  she  imitates  the  dying  state  so  well,  that 
one  can  hardly  help  thinking  the  poor  bird  is  ac- 
tually at  the  point  of  death.  While  the  person  is  ad- 
miring such  a  specimen  of  instinctive  art  in  the  old 
bird,  or  trying  to  catch  her,  the  young  dive  into  the 
grass,  and  lie  so  close,  that  it  is  rare  one  of  them  can 
be  found ;  while  the  mother,  the  moment  she  thinks 
them  safe,  no  longer  pretends  distress,  but  takes  wijig 
and  is  out  of  sight.  As  soon  as  all  danger  is  over  she 
.goes  back,  and  utters  her  call,  when  in  a  few  minutes 
she  is  again  surrounded  by  her  family  all  alive  and 


44  THE  QUAIL. 

well.  Thus  do  these  innocent  birds  escape  by  means 
of  the  instinctive  sagacity  with  which  the  Creator  has 
kindly  endowed  them. 

Young  Quails  when  hatched  under  a  hen,  soon  learn 
the  call  of  their  adopted  mother,  and  though  more  apt 
to  stray  away  and  get  lost  than  other  chickens,  still 
they  often,  for  the  first  season,  become  so  tame  as  to 
run  for  their  food  with  the  others,  when  called.  But 
however  tame  they  may  become  during  the  first  win- 
ter, they  uniformly  make  their  escape  in  the  spring, 
and  never  return.  Mr.  Wilson  gives  an  account  of 
two  of  these  birds,  which  were  hatched  under  a  hen, 
and  which  when  weaned  by  her,  associated  with  the 
cows.  They  regularly  followed  these  animals  to  the 
pasture,  in  the  morning,  and  returned  with  them  at 
evening,  and  always  staid  by,  while  they  were  milked. 
In  the  winter  they  took  up  their  residence  in  the  sta- 
ble with  the  cows,  but  as  soon  as  spring  appeared,  they 
flew  away,  and  were  not  seen  afterwards. 

Common  chickens,  when  hatched  by  a  Quail,  will 
partake  of  her  manners  and  habits  ;  the  effect  being 
just  the  contrary  of  that  produced  by  hatching  the 
Quail  under  a  hen. 

Mr.  Wilson  tells  us  that  a  friend  of  his  made  an  ex- 
periment by  putting  some  hens'  eggs  under  a  Quail 
while  she  was  sitting,  first  taking  away  her  eggs,  when 
she  was  absent.  She  hatched  them  all,  and  for  sever- 
al weeks  afterwards  he  often  saw  the  brood,  and  ob- 
served the  conduct,  both  of  the  chickens,  and  their 
mother-in-law.  The  old  Quail  on  such  occasions  be- 
haved in  the  usual  manner,  pretending  to  be  wounded, 
and  tumbling  along  on  the  ground.  But  it  was  par- 


THE  QUAIL.  45 

ticularly  interesting  to  observe  the  manners  of  the 
young  chickens.  They  had  adopted  all  the  shyness, 
and  timidity  of  young  Quails ;  running  with  great  ra- 
pidity, and  concealing  themselves  as  young  Quails 
do,  among  the  grass.  Even  when  they  were  larger 
than  the  Quail  herself,  they  continued  to  follow  her 
and  obey  her  commands.  Thus  it  appears  that  birds 
of  different  kinds,  when  hatched  and  brought  up  by 
each  other,  can  understand  each  others'  language.  For 
that  they  have  a  kind  of  language  there  is  no  doubt, 
otherwise,  the  young  could  not  understand  the  calls 
or  warnings  of  their  mothers. 

Quails  are  gregarious  birds,  associating  in  flocks, 
or  coveys,  of  from  five  or  six,  to  thirty  or  forty. — 
In  this  country  they  remain  all  the  year,  only  migra- 
ting from  one  part  to  another,  as  the  seasons  change. 
In  other  parts  of  the  world  they  migrate  from  one 
country  to  another,  going  and  coming  at  stated  times, 
like  the  stork  and  other  birds.  In  some  countries  these 
birds  have  occasionally  appeared  in  such  vast  flocks 
as  to  cover  the  ground  with  their  numbers,  and  destroy 
all  the  grain  in  a  neighbourhood.  In  Egypt,  and  on 
the  borders  of  the  Red  Sea,  the  inhabitants  at  particu- 
lar seasons  live  almost  entirely  on  them.  And  in  the 
kingdom  of  Naples,  one  hundred  thousand  Quailshave 
been  taken  in  a  day,  within  a  space  of  a  few  miles. 
In  the  south  of  Russia,  at  the  time  of  their  migration, 
they  abound  in  such  numbers,  that  they  are  taken  by 
thousands,  and  sent  in  casks  to  the  cities  for  sale. 

Quails  are  birds  of  the  most  undaunted  courage,  their 
quarrels  frequently  terminating  iu  the  death  of  one  or 
both  the  parties.    Among  the  ancient  Greeks  and  Ro- 
5* 


46  THE   QUAIL. 

mans,  they  were  trained  up  to  fight  each  other,  and 
sometimes  large  sums  of  money  were  foolishly  bet  on 
the  result  of  a  battle  between  a  pair  of  these  poor  lit- 
tle birds. 

The  Quail  is  twice  mentioned  in  Scripture,  and  in 
both  instances,  it  is  spoken  of  as  being  miraculously 
sent  to  the  children  of  Israel  for  food. 

The  first  instance  occurred  soon  after  they  left  Egypt, 
and  before  any  settled  mode  of  supplying  them  with 
food  had  been  adopted.  The  people  did  not  consider 
this  circumstance,  nor  did  they  rely  on  the  goodness 
of  the  Almighty,  who  had  delivered  them  from  the 
bondage  of  the  Egyptians,  but  complained  bitterly,  and 
accused  Moses  and  Aaron  of  bringing  them  into  the 
wilderness  that  they  might  perish  with  hunger.  They 
said,  "  Would  to  God  we  had  died  by  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  when  we  sat  by  the  flesh 
pots,  and  when  we  did  eat  bread  to  the  full ;  for  ye 
have  brought  us  forth  into  this  wilderness,  to  kill  the 
whole  assembly  with  hunger,"  Exodus,  chapter  16, 
verse  3. 

Such  murmurings  might  justly  have  drawn  down 
some  terrible  vengeance  upon  their  heads  ;  for,  having 
in  so  many  instances  witnessed  the  mercy  of  the  Al- 
mighty towards  them,  it  was  their  duty  to  trust  in  him 
for  their  deliverance.  But  instead  of  punishment  for 
their  sins,  the  Lord  kindly  bestowed  on  them,  by  a 
miracle,  what  they  did  not  deserve,  an  abundant  sup- 
ply of  food.  Moses  was  commanded  to  speak  to  them 
and  say,  "  At  even  ye  shall  eat  flesh,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing ye  shall  be  filled  with  bread  ;  and  ye  shall  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God :  and  it  came  to  pass 


THE   QUAIL.  47 

that  at  even  the  Quails  came  up  and  covered  the  camp." 
Exodus,  chapter  16,  verse  12. 

This  was  in  the  spring  of  the  year,  when  these  birds, 
in  their  yearly  migrations  from  Asia  to  Europe,  are 
found  in  vast  numbers  on  the  coast  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean, and  Red  Sea.  It  is  most  probable  therefore 
that  the  miracle  consisted  in  the  direction  of  the  Quails 
to  the  camp  of  the  Israelites,  and  not  in  their  creation, 
as  was  the  case  with  the  manna  which  came  down 
from  Heaven. 

In  the  other  instance  the  guilt  of  this  people  was 
more  aggravated,  and  was  followed  by  a  dreadful  judg- 
ment from  Heaven.  The  Lord  had  supplied  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  during  their  journey  through  the  wilder- 
ness, with  manna,  in  such  abundance,  that  every  per- 
son was  in  health,  there  not  being  a  sickly  one  among 
all  the  tribes.  .  But  they  had  become. dissatisfied  with 
that  food  and  began  again  to  murmur  for  flesh,  so  that 
the  Lord  once  more  commanded  Moses  to  tell  them 
that  flesh  should  be  provided.  "  And  there  went  forth 
a  wind  from  the  Lord,  and  brought  Quails  from  the 
sea,  and  let  them  fall  by  the  camp,  as  it  were  a  day's 
journey  on  this  side,  and  as  it  were  a  day's  journey  on 
the  other  side,  round  about  the  camp,  and  as  it  were 
two  cubits  high  upon  the  face  of  the  earth."  Numbers, 
chapter  11,  verse  31. 

This  was  at  the  same  season  of  the  year,  as  that 
on  which  the  other  miracle  was  wrought,  and  therefore 
during  the  yearly  migration  of  these  birds. 

The  vast  numbers  of  them  which  were  supplied  on 
this  occasion,  will  appear  from  the  next  verse.  "  The 
people  stoqd  up  all  that  day,  and  all  that  night,  and  all 


43  THE  THRUSH. 

the  next  day,  and  they  gathered  the  Quails ;  he  that 
gathered  least  had  ten  homers,  and  they  spread  them 
all  abroad  for  themselves  round  about  the  camp." 

So  little  do  we  know  what  is  best  for  ourselves,  that 
we  often  ask  for  things,  which  if  they  are  granted  us, 
prove  in  the  end  to  be  the  greatest  of  evils.  This  was 
the  case  with  the  children  of  Israel  in  this  great  supply 
of  meat.  They  would  not  be  satisfied  with  the  man- 
na, which  preserved  them  in  the  finest  health,  so  that 
not  one  was  sick ;  but  they  must  indulge  their  appe- 
tites, and  did  not  cease  to  murmur  until  they  had  abun- 
dance of  ftesh. 

But  a  dreadful  disease  followed  this  indulgence,  as 
a  punishment  for  their  having  murmured  against  God, 
when  he  was  providing  for  them  every  thing  they 
needed.  "  The  wrath  of  God  came  upon  them,  and 
slew  the  fattest  of  them,  ard  smote  down  the  chosen 
men  of  Israel."  Psalm  68,  verse  31. 

Let  us  then,  when  we  have  a  sufficiency  of  the  good 
things  of  this  world,  and  above  all,  when  we  are  in 
health,  be  contented,  and  not  murmur  against  God  be- 
cause we  cannot  indulge  in  needless  luxuries ;  remem- 
bering that  if  they  were  in  our  power,  they  might  be 
the  occasion  of  disease  or  even  death,  as  the  Quails 
were  to  the  children  of  Israel. 


THE  THRUSH. 

Birds  of  the  Thrush  kind  have  bills  nearly  straight, 
but  bending  a  little  towards  the  end.  They  feed  up- 
on berries  and  insects.  Some  of  them  are  among  the 


THE  THRUSH.  49 

best  singers  of  the  feathered  race.    The  Mocking  Bird 
is  of  the  Thrush  kind. 

THE  MOCKING  BIRD, 

How  large  is  the  Mocking  Bird  ? 

The  Mocking  Bird  is  nine  inches  long,  and  with  its 
wings  spread,  thirteen  inches  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour,  along  the  upper  part  of  the  neck,  and 
down  the  back,  is  ash  brown ;  the  tail  and  wings  are 
nearly  black,  and  the  throat,  and  under  parts,  white. 

Where  is  the  Mocking  Bird  found  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  most  parts  of  America,  from 
New  England  to  Brazil. 

Why  is  this  called  the  Mocking  Bird  ? 

The  name  of  this  bird  very  properly  expresses  its 
principal  quality,  that  of  mocking,  or  imitating  the 
songs  'and  notes  of  other  birds. 

This  bird  is  a  native  of  America,  and  in  its  wild  state 
is  no  where  else  to  be  found.  As  a  natural,  and  un- 
taught songster,  it  stands  unrivalled  among  the  feath- 
ered creation  ;  there  being  no  bird  capable  of  uttering 
such  a  variety  of  tones,  or  of  giving  equal  entertain- 
ment to  an  audience. 

The  Mocking  Bird  builds  her.  nest  on  some  tree  not 
far  from  the  habitations  of  men.  Sometimes  an  apple 
tree  standing  alone  answers  her  purpose,  and  she  pla- 
ces it  not  far  from  the  ground.  But  if  these  birds  are 
not  careful  to  conceal  their  habitation,  the  male  is  al- 
ways ready  to  defend  it ;  for  neither  cat,  dog,  man,  nor 
any  other  animal  can  come  near,  while  the  female  is 
setting,  without  meeting  wiith  a  sudden  and  violent  at- 
tack. The  cat,  in  particular,  is  an  object  of  the  most 


50  THE  THRUSH. 

inveterate  hatred,  and  is  tormented  with  such  repeated 
assaults,  as  generally  to  make  her  escape  without  de- 
lay. 

The  black  snake  is  another  deadly  enemy,  and  when 
found  lurking  about  the  nest,  is  sure  to  meet  with  a 
sound  drubbing,  and  does  well  to  come  off  even  with 
this ;  for  the  male  sometimes  darts-  upon  it  with  such 
fury,  and  strikes  it  on  the  head  with  such  force,  as  to 
leave  it  dead  on  the  field  of  battle. 

Having  destroyed  his  enemy,  this  courageous  bird 
flies  to  the  tree  which  contains  his  nest,  and  his  com- 
panion, and  seating  himself  on  the  highest  branch, 
pours  forth  his  best  song  in  token  of  victory. 

Although  the  plumage  of  the  Mocking  Bird  is  not 
so  beautiful  as  that  of  many  others,  his  slim  and  well 
made  figure  entitles  him  to  a  respectable  standing  for 
looks  among  his  feathered  brethren.  But  it  is  not  his 
appearance,  but  his  song,  that  raises  him  so  high  in 
the  estimation  of  man,  and  fixes  his  value  above  that 
of  almost  any  other  bird. 

A  stranger  who  hears  this  songster  for  the  first  time, 
listens  to  him  with  perfect  astonishment.  His  voice 
is  clear,  strong,  full,  and  of  such  compass  as  to  enable 
him  to  imitate  the  notes  of  every  other  bird  he  has 
ever  heard.  He  also  has  a  most  remarkable  memory, 
for  when  there  is  not  another  songster  in  his  hearing, 
he  will  recollect  and  repeat  the  spngs  of  nearly  every 
bird  in  the  forest.  This  he  does  with  such  truth, 
passing  from  one  song  to  another,  with  such  surpris- 
ing rapidity,  that  one  who  did  not  see  him,  and  know 
the  secret,  would  believe  that  half  the  feathered  crea- 
tion had  assembled  to  hold  a  musical  festival.  Nor 


THE  THRUSH.  51 

do  the  notes  of  his  brother  songsters  lose  any  of  their 
sweetness  or  brilliancy  by  such  repetition.  On  the 
contrary,  most  of  the  tones  are  sweeter  and  better, 
than  those  of  the  birds  which  are  imitated. 

Sometimes  the  Mocking  Bird  deceives  and  provokes 
the  sportsman  by  imitating  the  notes  of  the  game  he 
is  in  pursuit  of,  and  thus  leading  him  the  wrong  way. 
Sometimes  also,  he  brings  many  other  birds  around 
him  by  counterfeiting  the  soft  tones  of  their  mates,  or 
by  imitating  the  call  of  the  old  ones  for  their  young  ; 
and  then,  perhaps,  he  will  throw  them  into  the  most 
terrible  alarm  by  screaming  out  like  a  hawk. 

One  who  has  never  heard  this  bird,  after  all  that 
can  be  said,  will  have  but  a  faint  idea  of  his  powers. 
He  will  perhaps  begin  with  the  song  of  the  robin,  then 
whistle  like  a  quail,  then  squall  like  a  cat  bird,  then 
twitter  like  a  swallow,  and  so  on,  running  through  the 
notes  of  every  bird  in  the  woods,  with  surprising  truth 
and  rapidity. 

\Vhen  tamed,  he  mocks  every  sound  he  hears  with 
equal  exactness,  and  it  is  often  very  amusing  to  wit- 
ness the  effect  of  this  deception.  He  whistles  for  the 
dog  ;  the  dog  jumps  up,  wags  his  tail,  and  runs  to  look 
for  his  master.  He  peeps  like  a  hurt  chicken ;  and 
the  old  hen  runs  clucking  to  see  who  has  injured  her 
brood.  He  mews  like  a  kitten,  and  mother  puss  har- 
kens,  and  stares  to  find  where  the  noise  comes  from, 
and  many  other  things  of  this  kind  he  does  to  per- 
fection. 

The  Mocking  Bird  is  much  esteemed  by  those  who 
are  fond  of  such  amusements,  and  in  most  of  our  large 
cities  they  are  kept  for  sale  by  the  dealers  in  birds. 


52  THE  THRUSH. 

The  price  for  common  singers  is  from  ten  to  twenty 
dollars.  For  fine  singers  from  thirty  to  fifty  dollars, 
and  for  very  extraordinary  ones  even  a  hundred  dol- 
lars has  been  refused. 

When  we  walk  out  into  the  woods,  how  are  we 
cheered  with  the  songs,  and  gratified  with  the  sight  of 
the  birds  which  surround  us.  The  green  grass,  the 
beautiful  flowers,  and  the  tall  trees  of  the  forest,  it,  is 
true,  are  pleasant  to  the  sight.  But  these  are  inani- 
mate ;  they  preserve  a  dead  and  perpetual  silence. 
They  gratify  the  eye,  but  the  ear  would  be  left  un- 
touched, and  the  charms  of  nature  but  half  complete 
without  the  feathered  songsters.  When  we  walk 
alone  through  the  solitary  forest,  they  become  our 
companions,  and  seem  to  take  pleasure  in  displaying 
their  beauties,  and  raising  their  best  notes  for  our 
amusement. 

Thus,  the  fowls  of  the  air,  by  the  benevolence  of 
the  Creator,  add  to  our  pleasures,  and  lighten  our 
hearts.  What  child,  then,  can  be  so  selfish,  and  un* 
grateful,  as  to  enjoy  these  pleasures  without  thinking 
WHO  it  is,  he  ought  to  thank  for  them. 

It  is  to  "our  Father  in  heaven,"  that  we  are  to  give 
thanks  for  the  innocent  pleasures  we  enjoy,  as  well  as 
for  the  more  necessary  provision  of  our  daily  bread. 


THE  SWALLOW.  53 

THE  SWALLOW. 

The  Swallow  tribe  have  short  bills,  which  are  broad 
at  the  root,  sharp  at  the  end,  and  a  little  hooked : 
their  tails  are  forked  ;  their  legs  short,  and  in  most  of 
them,  the  toes  are  placed  three  forward  and  one 
backward.  Their  wings  are  long,  and  they  fly  with 
wonderful  swiftness.  Besides  the  several  kinds  of 
Swallows,  known  by  that  rfame,  the  Marten,  and 
some  others  belong  to  this  tribe. 

THE  MARTEN. 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Marten  ? 

The  Marten  is  considerably  larger  than  the  Swallow, 
being  eight  inches  long,  and,  with  the  wings  spread, 
sixteen  inches  in  extent. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

The  wings  and  tail  are  brownish  black,  the  other 
parts  are  of  a  purplish  blue,  very  deep  and  rich.  In 
the  sun  beautiful  violet  reflections  are  thrown  out  from 
the  neck  and  breast. 

What  is  the  shape  of  the  Marten  ? 

In  shape,  this  bird  resembles  the  others  of  the 
swallow  kind.  The  body,  legs,  and  bill  are  short,  the 
wings  long ;  the  tail  forked ;  and  the  eyes  full  and 
dark. 

These  innocent  birds  are  well  known  throughout 
the  country,  and  are  general  favorites  wherever  they 
take  up  their  residence. 

Like  all  the  swallow  tribe,  they  migrate  on  the  ap- 
proach of  winter  to  a  warmer  climate,  and  make  their 
appearance  again  sometime  in  the  month  of  April, 
when  they  are  hailed  with  a  hearty  welcome.  The 
6 


54  THE  SWALLOW. 

Martens  are  come !  is  always  a  piece  of  news  that  is 
heard  with  pleasure,  and  generally  every  child  runs 
out,  to  satisfy  himself  of  its  truth. 

This  agreeable  bird  always  takes  up  its  summer 
residence  about  the  habitations  of  men,  and  its  confi- 
dence and  familiarity  are  generally  a  protection 
against  injury.  There  is  scarcely  a  boy,  however 
fond  he  may  be  of  his  gun,  who  will  shoot  a  Marten. 
Such  an  act  of  depravity,  indeed,  would  be  considered 
in  most  neighbourhoods  too  base  and  cruel  to  be  soon 
forgotten. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  forest,  and  the  poor  labouring 
slave,  as  well  as  the  refined  people  of  the  world, 
agree  in  offering  hospitality  to  the  Marten. 

It  is  common,  Mr.  Wilson  tells  us,  among  several 
tribes  of  Indians,  to  cut  off  the  upper  branches  of  a 
tree  near  their  cabins,  leaving  their  prongs  a  foot  or 
two  long,  and  to  hang  a  hollow  gourd  shell  to  each 
prong  for  these  birds  to  build  their  nests  in.  And,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  the  negroes  set  up  long 
canes  with  a  box  on  the  top,  for  the  same  purpose. 
It  is  common,  indeed,  in  all  parts  of  our  country,  for 
people  to  set  up  some  sort  of  accommodation  for  this 
favourite  bird. 

Their  mode  of  building  is  too  well  known  to  need 
description.  They  commonly  repair  their  nest  from 
year  to  year,  and,  unless  their  box  is  torn  down,  con- 
tinue to  rear  their  young  in  the  same  place,  from  one 
generation  to  another. 

While  the  female  is  setting  on  her  eggs,  the  male  is 
very  attentive  to  her,  visiting  her  many  times  in  the 
day,  and  frequently  taking  her  place,  while  she  goes 


THE  SWALLOW.  15 

abroad  for  exercise  and  food.  When  he  comes  home 
after  an  excursion,  he  always  goes  directly  to  the  nest, 
and  looks  in  to  see  how  she  does,  and  on  such  occa- 
sions, their  notes  are  particularly  soft  arid  tender. 

These  birds  always  unite  in  pairs,  and  are  so  attach- 
ed to  each  other,  that  if  a  third  comes,  they  will  both 
attack  and  drive  it  away. 

The  Marten  is  a  bird  of  great  courage,  and  does  not 
hesitate  to  attack  the  crow,  or  hawk,  if  they  come  too 
near  his  nest.  On  such  occasions,  many  of  them  unite 
for  the  general  defence,  and  do  not  give  up  the  battle 
until  the  enemy  is  driven  out  of  the  neighbourhood. 

The  wren  often  troubles  the  Marten  in  a  most  im- 
pertinent and  provoking  manner.  Being  the  smaller 
bird,  they  take  advantage  of  the  Marten's  absence,  to 
fill  up  the  passage  to  his  nest,  so  that  when  the  owner 
comes  home,  he  finds  his  door  shut  against  him,  and 
his  house  occupied  by  another  family.  Sometimes 
also,  these  impudent  little  warriors  will  attack  the 
Martens,  and  drive  them  out  by  main  force  ;  or  tease 
them  until,  for  their  own  comfort,  they  give  them  up 
their  property,  and  go  to  another  place  and  build 
anew.  In  the  following  instance,  however,  it  appears 
that  the  Martens  were  too  cunning,  even  for  the  wren. 

A  couple  of  Martins  had,  for  several  years,  occupied 
a  certain  cage,  which  was  fixed  on  the  side  of  the 
house.  One  day  these  birds  were  observed  to  be  in 
a  state  of  great  agitation  and  alarm.  They  would  fly 
to  the  cage,  but  in  a  moment  leave  it  again,  as  though 
afraid  to  go  in,  at  the  same  time  uttering  cries  of 
alarm  and  dread.  On  watching  their  motions,  and 
looking  at  the  cage,  to  find  out  the  cause  of  this  trou- 


56  THE  SWALLOW. 

ble,  a  pair  of  wrens  were  observed  to  come  out  of  it, 
and,  after  giving  themselves  a  few  airs  of  importance, 
and  triumph,  flew  away.  The  Martens  took  this 
opportunity'of  returning  to  the  cage,  but  their  stay 
was  short,  for  the  wrens  came  back  in  a  few  minutes, 
and  drove  them  away. 

This  squabbling  for  the  right  of  possession,  contin- 
ued most  of  the  day,  but  on  the  following  morning, 
when  the  wrens  quitted  the  cage,  the  Martins  instantly, 
and  as  though  they  had  before  agreed  what  to  do,  en- 
tered it,  and  went  to  work  with  all  their  might,  to 
break  up'their  nest.  It  might  have  been  thought,  that 
out  of  spite  to  the  wrens,  they  intended  to  destroy 
their  nest,  so  that  it  should  be  of  no  use  to  them.  But 
this  did  not  prove  to  be  any  part  of  their  plan.  Hav- 
ing broken  up  the  nest,  they  began  to  pile  up  the  pie- 
ces, so  as  to  fill  the  door  of  their  cage  ;  and  such  was 
the  ingenuity  and  industry  with  which  this  was  done, 
that  it  was  soon  made  proof  against  the  entrance  of 
their  little  enemies.  The  Martens  stood  inside,  and 
when  the  wrens  came,  they  tried  to  force  a  passage, 
but  found  the  place  too  strong  for  them.  For  nearly 
two  days  did  this  heroic  pair  defend  themselves  with- 
out a  mouthful  of  provisions,  while  the  wrens  on  the 
outside  pressed  the  siege  with  great  vigour,  trying  to 
beat  down  their  works,  so  as  to  gain  an  entrance. 
Finding,  at  last,  that  their  force  wras  not  sufficient  for 
such  an  enterprise,  they  abandoned  the  place,  and  left 
the  Martens  in  possession  of  their  property,  though 
somewhat  injured  by  the  war. 


THE  SWALLOW.  57 

THE  BARN  SWALLOW. 

The  colour  of  this  well  known  little  bird  along  the 
back,  is  steel  blue ;  the  wings  and  tail  are  black,  and 
the  under  parts  brownish  red.  Its  length  is  seven 
inches,  and  with  its  wings  spread,  it  is  thirteen  inches 
in  extent. 

The  Swallow  inhabits  almost  every  part  of  the 
world.  In  this  country  it  migrates  as  the  seasons 
change,  leaving  us  in  the  fall,  and  returning  again  in 
the  spring. 

Just  before  these  birds  disappear,  they  assemble  in 
vast  flocks,  and  settle  on  the  tops  of  houses  and  trees, 
and  particularly  on  the  steeples  of  churches.  From 
these  places  they  take  their  flight,  and  in  the  course  of 
a  day  or  two  after  they  begin  to  assemble,  not  a  single 
one  is  to  be  seen. 

The  sudden  manner  in  which  they  disappear,  to- 
gether with  the  fact  that  flocks  of  them  are  seen  about 
mill  ponds,  before  they  set  out  on  their  journey,  has  made 
some  people  believe,  that  Swallows  go  into  the  mud, 
and  there  lie  in  a  torpid  state  during  the  winter.  In 
proof  of  this  it  is  said  that  these  birds  have  been  found 
under  the  water  at  the  bottoms  of  ponds  in  the  winter, 
and  that  on  warming  them,  they  have  revived  from 
their  torpid  state,  and  flown  away. 

It  is  believed,  however,  that  these  birds  are  incapa- 
ble of  living  under  the  water,  and  therefore  that  such 
stories  must  be  without  foundation.  The  extreme  ra- 
pidity with  which  they  fly,  would  enable  them  to  pass 
from  one  country  to  another,  in  a  very  short  time 

while  the  manner  in  which  they  live,  that  of  catching 
6* 


58  THE  SWALLOW. 

insects  in  the  air,  and  eating  them  while  on  the  wing, 
would  make  it  unnecessary  for  them  to  stop  on  their 
journey  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  food. 

Flocks  of  them  have  been  seen  far  at  sea ;  and 
sometimes  during  a  storm,  they  have  become  so  fa- 
tigued with  their  journey  as  to  light,  and  rest  awhile 
on  some  part  of  the  vessel. 

From  all  northern  countries,  these  birds  take  their 
flight  towards  the  south,  in  time  to  reach  a  warm  cli- 
mate before  the  approach  of  winter.  The  time  of 
leaving,  therefore,  depends  on  the  distance  they  have 
to  fly.  In  New  England,  they  leave  about  the  middle 
of  September,  but  in  Florida,  they  remain  until  the 
last  of  that  month,  or  the  beginning  of  October. 

They  are  said  to  arrive  in  Africa  the  first  week  in 
October,  and  to  leave  England  the  last  week  in  Sep- 
tember ;  so  that  they  perform  the  journey  from  one 
country  to  the  other  in  a  week's  time. 

The  Swallow  is  a  pattern  of  the  most  unwearied 
and  laborious  industry.  From  morning  till  night, 
when  these  birds  have  a  family  to  maintain,  they  spend 
their  whole  time  in  skimming  along  near  the  ground 
in  search  of  insects  for  their  young.  At  these  times, 
they  always  fly  with  their  mouths  wide  open,  and 
when  they  catch  an  insect,  a  smart  snap  of  the  bill, 
may  be  heard,  like  the  shutting  of  a  watch-case. 

This  bird  builds  her  nest  in  barns  or  other  out-hous- 
es. It  is  constructed  of  mud,  which  is  used  in  so  soft 
a  state,  as  to  adhere  to  the  side  of  a  barn,  or  board. 
The  inside  is  lined  with  dry  grass,  with  a  covering  of 
feathers,  for  the  young  birds  to  lie  on. 


THE  SWALLOW.  59 

Professor  Kalm  relates  the  following  anecdote  of  a 
Swallow,  which  he  had  from  good  authority. 

A  couple  of  Swallows  built  their  nest  in  a  stable, 
and  the  female,  having  laid  her  eggs,  was  about  to  sit 
on  them.  At  this  time,  the  male  was  seen  flying 
about  the  nest  in  great  agitation,  and  was  heard  to 
utter  cries  of  distress.  On  going  to  the  nest,  the  fe- 
male was  found  dead,  but  still  sitting  on  her  eggs,  and 
was  taken  out  and  thrown  away.  The  male  then  went 
himself,  and  sat  on  the  eggs  ;  but  after  remaining 
there  two  or  three  hours,  and  perhaps  finding  the 
confinement  disagreeable  to  him,  he  went  away,  and 
was  sometime  absent.  When  he  returned,  he  brought 
with  him  another  female,  who  took  the  place  of  the 
dead  bird,  sat  upon  the  eggs,  hatched  them,  and  after- 
wards fed  the  young  birds  until  they  could  provide 
for  themselves. 

The  Swallow  is  mentioned  several  times  in  the  Ho- 
ly Scriptures,  and  in  each  passage  there  is  a  reference 
to  some  part  of  its  natural  history. 

In  the  84th  Psalm,  the  sacred  writer  has  a  beautiful 
allusion  to  the  habit  this  bird  has  of  building  her  nest 
about  the  dwellings  of  mankind.  "  Yea  the  sparrow 
hath  found  an  house,  and  the  Swallow  a  nest  for  her- 
self, where  she  may  lay  her  young,  even  thine  altars, 
O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  king  and  my  God." 

This  Psalm  is  thought  to  have  been  written  at  the 
time  when  David  was  obliged  to  flee  before  his  unnat- 
ural son  Absalom.  In  this  state  of  exile  from  his  home, 
and  from  the  house  of  God,  he  remembered  that  the 
sparrows  and  swallows  were  permitted  to  build  their 
nests  about  the  tabernacle ;  and  he  seems  to  have  en- 


SO  THE  SWALLOW. 

vied  these  birds  the  privilege  of  being  near  that  holy 
place,  without  being  sensible  of  it,  while  he,  notwith- 
standing his  ardent  attachment  to  that  sanctuary,  was 
denied  the  blessing  of  attending  there. 

Pious  people,  who  are  blessed  with  the  privilege  of 
constantly  attending  worship  at  the  house  of  God,  are 
often  insensible  of  such  a  blessing,  until  they  are  by 
some  means  deprived  of  it.  This  seems,  in  some  de- 
gree, to  have  been  the  case  with  David  during  his  ab- 
sence, for  in  another  verse  he  says,  "  Blessed  are  they 
that  dwell  in  thy  house  ;  they  will  still  be  praising  thee." 

But  the  holy  Psalmist,  because  he  could  not  possess 
all  his  soul  desired,  did  not  therefore  lie  down  in  for- 
getfulness  of  the  former  mercies  he  had  received  ;  but 
while  he  pleaded  that  God  would  hear  him,  was,  at  the 
same  time,  willing  to  own  his  constant  goodness  and 
mercy,  for  in  the  same  chapter  he  says,  "  O  Lord  God 
of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer,  give  ear  O  God  of  Jacob : 
behold  O  God  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of 
thine  anointed."  "  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and 
shield  ;  the  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory,  no  good 
thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly." 

In  Jeremiah,  8th  chapter  and  7th  verse,  there  is  an 
allusion  to  the  return  of  the  Swallow,  after  her  annual 
migration  to  the  south  for  the  winter.  This  shews 
that  the  habits  of  this  bird  have  not  changed  since  the 
days  of  the  prophet,  and  that  they  were  the  same  at 
that  time,  and  in  that  country,  as  they  are  at  present  in 
this,  and  other  countries ;  for  every  where  the  Swal- 
low changes  its  place  of  residence  with  the  change  of 
seasons.  The  verse  is  as  follows :  "  Yea  the  stork  in 
the  heavens  knoweth  her  appointed  time  ;  and  the  tur- 


THE  NIGHT  HAWK.  61 

tie,  and  the  crane,  and  the  Swallow  observe  the  time 
of  their  coming  ;  but  my  people  know  not  the  judge- 
ment of  the  Lord." 

What  a  reproof  this  to  disobedient,  wicked  man. 
The  birds  of  the  air,  by  their  natural  instinct,  are  en- 
abled to  know  and  perform  their  duty.  They  go  and 
came,  and  rear  their  young  at  fixed  times  and  places, 
and  for  thousands  of  years  have  never  been  known  to 
fail  of  doing  so.  But  man,  notwithstanding  his  accoun- 
tability to  God  for  all  his  actions,  and  after  the  offers 
of  mercy  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  threatenings  of 
vengeance  on  the  other,  still  disobeys  his  Maker. — 
"  My  people  know  not  the  judgements  of  the  Lord." 


THE  NIGHT  HAWK. 

How  large  is  the  Night  Hawk  ? 

The  Night  Hawk  is  nine  inches  long,  and  when  the 
wings  are  spread,  nearly  two  feet  in  extent. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  the  back,  and  upper  parts,  is  of  a  deep 
blackish  brown  ;  on  the  wings,  and  about  the  head  and 
neck,  this  colour  is  spotted  with  yellow  ;  the  tail  and 
quill  feathers  are  nearly  black,  with  a  streak  of  white 
across  each. 

What  is  the  shape  of  the  Night  Hawk  ? 

In  shape,  this  bird  is  short  and  thick ;  the  head  and 
eyes  are  large,  but  the  bill  is  so  short  and  small  as  on- 
ly just  to  reach  beyond  the  head  ;  the  mouth  is  very 
deep,  opening  almost  to  the  eyes  ;  the  legs  are  short  t 
and  feathered  to  the  knee. 


62  THE  NIGHT  HAWK. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Night  Hawk  is  an  inhabitant  of  all  parts  of  the 
United  States,  and  is  well  known  from  Canada  to 
Florida. 

This  bird  by  many  is  supposed  to  be  the  same  with 
the  whip-poor-will.  But  this  is  a  mistake  ;  for  though 
there  is  a  resemblance  between  the  two  in  appear- 
ance, in  their  habits  they  differ  materially.  The  whip- 
poor-will  is  seen  very  rarely,  and  then  only  in  the 
woods,  where  it  flies  only  a  short  distance,  when  start- 
ed, and  lights  again  suddenly  on  a  rock,  or  fallen  tree. 
It  is  a  bird  of  night,  and  does  not  fly  about  in  the  day 
time.  The  Night  Hawk,  though  most  commonly  seen 
at  the  dusk  of  evening,  is  not  so  far  a  night  bird  as  to 
be  unable  to  fly  in  the  day  time,  but  is  often  seen  at 
noon  day,  flying  slowly  along  high  in  the  air. 

There  is  also  a  difference  which  will  distinguish 
these  two  birds  at  once,  when  taken.  The  whip-poor- 
will  has  a  kind  of  beard,  consisting  of  many  long  hairs, 
which  grow  out  of  the  inside  of  the  upper  mandible. — 
The  Night  Hawk  has  nothing  of  this  kind. 

The  Night  Hawk  is  a  bird  of  very  peculiar  man- 
ners and  habits,  and  on  these  accounts  is  easily  known 
from  the  other  fowls  of  the  air. 

They  are  birds  of  passage,  and  commonly  appear  in 
New  England  about  the  beginning  of  May.  They 
are  then  seen  only  in  the  evening,  flying  high  in  the 
air,  and  apparently  pursuing  their  prey,  which  con- 
sists of  insects. 

Sometime  in  May  the  female  lays  her  eggs;  but 
contrary  to  the  practice  of  nearly  every  other  land 


THE  NIGHT  HAWK.  63 

bird,  she  takes  no  trouble  about  a  nest,  and  deposites 
them  on  the  bare  ground,  or  on  a  solid  rock. 

Such  conduct  might  seem  to  shew  a  want  of  com- 
mon sense,  or  of  proper  care  for  her  future  brood. — 
But  instead  of  this,  it  displays  in  this  bird  an  uncom- 
mon degree  of  sagacity.  The  spot  on  which  the  eggs 
are  laid  is  always  dry,  and  a  little  higher  than  the 
ground  around  it,  so  that  in  case  of  rain,  they  may  not 
be  covered  by  the  water. 

The  place  seems  also  to  be  selected  with  reference 
to  the  colour  of  the  bird,  and  of  her  eggs.  The  bird 
is  dark,  spotted  with  yellow,  so  that  a  few  sticks  or 
leaves  around  her  would  make  the  whole  appear  much 
of  the  same  colour.  The  eggs  are  green,  spotted  with 
black,  and  can  hardly  be  distinguished  from  the  ground 
on  which  they  lie,  at  a  yard's  distance.  Indeed,  the 
place  is  chosen  with  so  much  judgement,  and  the  de- 
ception so  complete,  that*  it  is  not  uncommon,  when 
one  is  walking  near  her  nest,  to  be  startled  by  her  fly- 
ing up  from  almost  under  his  feet,  without  his  having 
before  discovered  that  any  living  creature  was  near  him, 
She  seems  to  be  aware  that  her  nest  is  less  likely  to 
be  found  if  she  sits  still,  than  if  she  flies  away;  and 
hence,  although  at  other  times  a  wild  bird,  wrill  re- 
main on  it,  until  nearly  in  danger  of  being  trodden  un- 
der foot. 

When  obliged  to  fly,  her  sagacity  is  still  striking, 
and  often  effectual  in  saving  her  eggs.  Instead  of 
darting  away  like  most  other  birds,  she  acts  as  though 
she  could  neither  fly  nor  run,  but  tumbles  and  rolls 
along  within  a  yard  or  two  of  the  person,  and  pre- 
tends that  this  is  the  best  she  can  do.  One  not  ac- 


64  THE  NIGHT  HAWK. 

quainted  with  the  deception,  will  run  after  the  bird, 
not  doubting  but  he  can  catch  her  in  a  moment ;  but 
she  takes  care  to  just  keep  out  of  his  way,  until  she 
leads  him  a  good  distance  from  the  nest,  when  she 
takes  wing,  and  in  a  moment  is  out  of  sight.  The  at- 
tention of  the  person  is  so  taken  with  the  bird,  that  he 
seldom  thinks  of  the  eggs  until  she  is  out  of  sight,  and 
then  it  is  too  late,  for  he  might  search  for  hours,  and 
then  only  find  them,  when  they  were  crushed  under  his 
feet. 

The  young  birds,  when  hatched,  are  not  more  eas- 
ily seen  than  the  eggs,  orHhe  old  one.  They  are  cov- 
ered with  down  of  a  pale  brownish  colour  ;  and  look 
so  much  like  a  little  clod  of  mouldy  dirt,  that  a  person 
would  never  suspect  that  they  were  living  creatures 
until  he  touched  them. 

Perhaps  there  is  not  a  more  striking  instance  of  the 
effect  of  instinct  in  protecting  its  possessor  from  harm, 
in  the  whole  feathered  creation,  than  is  displayed  by 
this  bird  ;  and  it  is  doubted  whether  even  man  him- 
self, under  the  same  circumstances,  could  point  out 
any  surer  means  of  effecting  the  same  end. 

Having  no  arms  with  which  to  protect  itself,  and 
being  destined  by  nature  to  lay  on  the  ground,  this 
bird,  as  well  as  her  eggs,  would  be  peculiarly  exposed 
to  destruction,  did  she  not  make  use  of  all  the  means 
in  her  power  to  prevent  it. 

Birds,  as  well  as  other  animals,  are  taught  by  the 
God  of  Nature  to  take  care  of  their  young  ;  and  as  one 
means  of  protection,  they  are  taught  by  instinct  where, 
and  how  to  build  their  nests,  so  as  to  make  them  as 


THE  NIGHT  HAWK.  65 

safe  from  the  approach  of  man  and  other  animals  as 
possible. 

The  place  where  the  nest  is  built,  and  the  manner 
of  its  construction,  seem  however,  always  to  depend 
on  the  other  habits  of  the  bird.     Thus  the  martin,  by 
its  innocence  and  familiarity,  so  attaches  itself  to  man$ 
as  to  be  safe  in  building  about  houses,  and  in  cities  ; 
but  birds  which  are  less  agreeable  and  more  mischiev- 
ous, are  obliged  to  retire  into  the  woods,  and  rear  theirf 
young  out  of  the  way  of  man.     Some  build  in  the  tops 
of  the  tallest  trees,  where  it  is  difficult  for  man,  or  oth- 
er animals  to  climb  to  themr;   others  lay  their  eggs  in 
hollow  trees  ;  others  conceal  their  nests  so  that  there 
is  little  probability  of  their  being  found,  and  others 
again  hang  them  at  the  end  of  a  small  twig  on  a  tall 
tree.      In  all  these  cases,  there  is  evidently  a  plan  to 
keep  the  eggs  and  young,  as  much  as  possible,  out  of 
the  way  of  danger.     But  the  Night  Hawk  makes  use 
of  a  plan  quite  different  from  any  of  these.      Her  feet 
are  not  made  for  perching  on  the  limbs  of  trees,  nor 
are  her  habits  such  as  to  admit  of  her  seeking  refuge 
among  men.     She  is  destined  to  lay  upon  the  ground, 
and  she  takes  the  very  best  means  in  her  power  to  pro- 
tect herself  and  her  eggs  in  such  a  situation. 

She  seems  to  be  perfectly  aware  that  her  colour  is 
her  best  protection,  if  she  makes  a  proper  use  of  it, 
and  hence  she  lays  and  hatches  her  eggs,  in  a  place, 
the  colour  of  which  is  so  much  like  her  own,  that  the 
difference  cannot  easily  be  distinguished,  so  that  she 
may  sit  plain  in  sight  and  still  not  be  seen. 

In  thus  giving  the  fowls  of  the  air  the  capacity  of 
adapting  themselves  to  their  several  situations,  and  of 
7 


66  THE  NIGHT  HAWK. 

protecting  themselves  and  their  progeny  from  destruc- 
tion, the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Creator  are  plain- 
ly manifest.  Did  they  not  possess  this  power,  some 
kinds  would  soon  be  entirely  destroyed,  jand  thus  the 
design  for  which  they  were  created  never  fulfilled. 

That  the  Creator  has  condescended  to  endow  the 
birds  of  the1  air  with  such  striking  qualities,  ought  to 
operate  as  a  convincing  proof  on  our  minds,  that  he  is 
(every  where,  and  at  all  times  present,  and  that  he 
guides,  directs,  and  governs  all  parts  of  his  creation. 

The  actions  of  this  bird,  as  seen  in  the  air,  are  very 
singular,  and  it  is  impossible  to  say  for  what  purpose 
he  behaves  in  such  a  manner. 

At  evening  he  may  be  seen,  particularly  over  rivers, 
or  marshy  places,  mounted  very  high  over  head,  fly- 
ing, first  with  several  quick  motions  of  the  wings,  and 
then  with  a  few  slow  ones,  then  with  the  quick  motions 
again,  and  so,  alternately.  At  the  same  time  ke  keeps 
going  up  higher  and  higher,  now  and  then  uttering  a 
harsh  peeping  sound,  which  may  often  be  heard  when 
the  bird  is  not  seen.  Having  arrived  at  the  highest 
pitch,  he  instantly  turns  head  downwards,  and  de- 
scends with  great  rapidity,  nearly  to  the  ground,  when 
he  wheels  suddenly  up  again,  at  the  same  time  turning 
the  points  of  his  wings  downwards,  in  form  of  the  new 
moon,  and  making  a  noise  resembling  that  produced 
by  blowing  strongly  into  the  bung  of  an  empty  hogs- 
head. He  then  ascends  upward,  with  the  usual  slow 
and  quick  motions  of  his  wings,  and  then  down  again 
as  before. 

The  female  makes  the  harsh  peeping  noise  itf  the 
same  manner  with  the  male  ;  she  also  flies  with  the 


THE  SPARROW.  67 

same  alternate  slow  and  quick  motions  of  the  wings, 
but  never  like  him  precipitates  herself,  in  the  manner 
above  described. 


THE  SPARROW. 

The  Sparrow  kind  have  short  bills,  which  are  large 
at  the  root,  and  sharp  pointed.  They  live  chiefly  on 
seeds  and  insects— -are  generally  small  in  size,  but  ve- 
ry active.  To  this  tribe  belong  the  Canary  bird,  the 
Gold  Finch,  the  House  Sparrow,  and  many  others. 

THE  HOUSE  SPARROW. 

How  large  is  the  House  Sparrow  ? 

The  House  Sparrow  is  a  little  more  than  five  inch- 
es long,  and  about  eight  inches  in  extent  with  the  wings 
spread. 

What  colour  is  this  bird? 

Its  colour,  over  the  eyes,  and  about  the  chin,  is 
whitish ;  crown  of  the  head,  and  down  the  neck,  ches- 
nut  brown ;  breast  and  sides  of  the  neck,  pale  ash  col- 
our ;  the  bill  in  winter  is  black,  but  in  summer  the  low- 
er mandible  is  ash  coloured ;  the  back  is  spotted  with 
black  and  ehesnut ;  wings,  black,  edged  with  chesnut ; 
tail,  nearly  black,  edged  with  yellow. 

Where  is  this  Sparrow  found  ? 

This  little  bird  is  found  in  every  part  of  the  United 
States,  and  in  most  parts  of  Europe. 

This  Sparrow  is  generally  known  in  this  country  by 
the  name  of  chipping  bird.  It  is  by  habit  so  tame  and 
familiar,  as  frequently  to  come  into  the  yard,  and  if 
well  treated,  will  hop  about  the  door  and  pick  up  the 


68  THE  SPARROW, 

crumbs.  Every  child  is  acquainted  with  this  innocent 
little  bird.  Some  children  love  to  feed  it,  and  if  they 
•will  do  this  every  day,  it  will  become  so  tame  as  to 
come  into  the  house  after  its  meal  of  bread  crumbs. 

The  sociable  and  familiar  habits  of  this  bird  continue 
only  during  the  summer  season.  In  the  fall  it  is  not 
seen  about  houses,  but  goes  away  into  the  fields  and 
hedges,  where  it  stays  until  the  approach  of  winter, 
when  it  departs  to  the  south  to  find  a  warmer  climate. 
The  House  Sparrow  builds  her  nest  in  some  thick 
bush,  preferring  the  cedar  bush  to  all  others.  The 
nest  is  made  of  dry  grass,  and  lined  with  iiair,  which 
it  costs  her  a  great  deal  of  labour  to  pick  up. 

For  a  day  or  two  after  the  young  birds  are  hatched, 
they  are  so  small  and  weak,  as  not  to  be  able  to  eat  any 
food,  but  after  this  they  begin  to  chirp,  and  open  their 
mouths  ;  when  the  mother  flies  away,  and  brings  them 
some  small  worms,  which  are  their  first  nourishment. 
From  this  time  she  continues  to  feed  them  once  in  half 
an  hour,  or  oftener,  during  the  day,  until  they  are  able 
to  take  care  of  themselves.  While  the  parents  are 
gone  after  provision,  the  young  birds  lie  perfectly  still, 
and  seem  to  sleep,  not  making  the  slightest  noise  un- 
til she  returns.  When  she  arrives  with  the  food  she 
wakes  them  up  by  a  chirp,  which  they  answer,  and  in- 
staotly  hold  up  their  heads,  and  open  their  mouths  to 
receive  it.  The  old  bird  takes  care  to  feed  them  all  in 
turn,  never  neglecting  one  and  giving  the  other  too 
much. 

When  the  young  birds  are  so  strong  as  to  be  fitted 
for  a  short  flight,  the  old  ones,  on  a  fair  day,  lead  them 
a  little  distance  from  the  nest,  taking  care  that  they 


THE  SPARROW.  W 

do  not  go  so  far  as  to  be  unable  to  return.  At  this 
lime  they  are  fed  as  usual,  setting  on  the  bush,  or 
ground.  But  as  soon  as  they  are  able  to  fly  and  catch 
insects  for  themselves,  the  parents  forsake  them  en- 
tirely, and  never  afterwards  pay  them  any  further  at- 
tention. 

These  birds  were  well  known  to  the  Israelites, 
— were  considered  clean  by  the  Levitical  law,  and 
hence  were  bought  and  sold  as  an  article  of  food. 

In  the  New  Testament,  the  Sparrow  is  several 
times  mentioned.  In  the  12th  chapter  of  Luke,  it  is 
spoken  of  in  allusion  to  the  care  which  God  takes  of 
all  his  works.  "  Are  not  five  Sparrows  sold  for  two 
farthings  ;  and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before 
God.  But  even  the  hairs  of  your  head  are  numbered. 
•"  Fear  not,  therefore,  ye  are  of  more  value  than  many 
Sparrows."  Verses  6,  7. 

These  are  the  words  of  our  Saviour  to  his  disciples. 
He  was  warning  them  against  indulging  in  too  much 
anxiety  about  the  things  of  this  world  ;  and  to  assure 
them  of  the  care  and  protection  of  their  Creator,  he 
reminds  them  that  the  smallest  and  meanest  of  his 
works  are  not  forgotten,  and  that  even  the  Sparrow  is 
not  beneath  his  notice. 

If  God,  then,  extends  his  protecting  care  toward  the 
smallest,  and  most  perishable  of  his  creatures,  how 
much  more  shall  man,  the  noblest  work  of  his  hands, 
be  the  object  of  his  peculiar  blessing.  "  Fear  not, 
therefore,  ye  are  of  more  value  than  many  Sparrows." 

What  could  give  a  more  sublime  and  striking  idea 
of  the  power  and  extent  of  God's  providence,  than 
the  thought,  that  he  is  able  to  watch  over  every  part 
7* 


70  THE  CANARY  BIRD. 

of  his  creation,  however  small,  and  in  our  view  insig- 
nificant. Thus  every  bird  which  flies,  every  quadru- 
ped which  walks,  and  every  fish  which  swims,  in  the 
whole  world,  are  under  his  constant,  and  immediate 
notice.  Not  a  single  Sparrow  is  forgotten  before 
God. 

How  careful,  then,  ought  we  to  be,  who  are  the 
only  accountable  beings  on  earth,  lest  we  should  of- 
fend this  great  and  good  Creator,  by  sinning  against 
him,  and  thus  bringing  down  on  ourselves  his  holy 
indignation. 


THE  CANARY  BIRD. 

The  Canary  Bird  came  originally  from  the  Canary 
Islands,  as  its  name  indicates. 

It  is  also  a  native  inhabitant  of  Italy,  and  Greece ; 
but  for  nearly  two  hundred  years  it  has  been  bred  in 
other  parts  of  Europe,  and  more  lately  in  America. 

For  a  long  period,  these  birds  were  bred  only  in 
Germany,  but  were  sent  into  all  parts  of  Europe  for 
sale.  Within  the  last  hundred  years,  they  were  so 
uncommon  arid  expensive,  that  they  were  kept  only 
by  princes  and  people  of  wealth.  At  the  present 
day,  these  birds  are  raised  in  most  of  our  large  cities, 
by  persons  who  follow  the  business  of  selling  birds  : 
and  are  sold  at  moderate  prices. 

In  its  native  island,  where  the  Canary  Bird  is  still 
found  wild,  its  colour  is  of  a  dusky  green.  But  the 
tame  ones,  like  all  other  domestic  animals,  are  of  va- 
rious colours.  Most  commonly  they  are  some  shade 


THE  CANARY  BIRD.  71 

of  yellow,  but  some  are  grey,  others  white,  and  others 
beautifully  shaded  with  green,  But  they  are  more 
esteemed  for  their  note  than  their  colour. 

The  common  practice  of  keeping  these  birds  in  our 
houses,  as  things  of  amusement,  has  made  the  demand 
for  them  considerable,  so  that  great  numbers  are  rais- 
ed and  sold  every  year.  Some  account  of  the  man- 
ner of  rearing  them,  may  therefore  be  interesting  to 
the  reader. 

In  selecting  a  bird,  those  are  best,  which  stand  up- 
right on  the  perch,  appear  bold  and  lively,  and  are  not 
frightened  at  every  noise  they  hear,  and  at  every  thing 
they  see.  If  its  eyes  are  bright  and  cheerful,  it  is  a 
sign  of  health,  but  if  it  keeps  its  head  under  the  wing, 
it  is  drooping  and  sickly.  Its  song  should  also  be 
particularly  noticed,  for  there  is  much  difference  in 
this  respect :  but  as  it  often  depends  on  the  peculiar 
taste  of  the  purchaser,  no  directions  can  be  given  as 
to  this  qualification. 

Canary  birds  sometimes  hatch  their  young  every 
month  in  the  year,  but  more  commonly  they  breed 
only  in  the  spring,  summer  and  fall  months. 

In  Germany,  they  prepare  a  large  and  expensive 
aviary,  or  place  in  which  they  rear  their  young.  This 
is  built  like  a  barn,  only  that  it  is  longer  in  one  direc- 
tion than  in  the  other.  At  each  end  it  is  divided  off 
by  a  partition,  making  a  square  room.  In  each  of 
these  rooms  they  plant  several  trees,  the  partitions 
having  large  windows  through  them,  so  that  the  birds 
can  pass  from  these  rooms  into  the  large  room  in  the 
middle.  The  windows  of  these  end  rooms  are  made 
of  wire,  so  as  to  admit  the  air  and  light,  and  still  keep 


*t  THE  CANARY  BIRD. 

the  birds  from  flying  away.  The  ground,  or  floor  of 
these  end  rooms,  they  strew  with  chick-weed,  and 
several  kinds  of  seeds  for  them  to  eat.  Here  the  birds 
take  great  delight  in  hopping  about  among  the  branch- 
es and  leaves  of  the  trees,  and  enjoying  the  air,  and 
the  songs  of  each  other.  In  the  middle  room  they 
place  all  sorts  of  materials  of  which  these  little  song- 
sters build  their  nests,  such  as  fine  hay,  hair,  and 
cotton.  In  this  room,  also,  they  construct  places  like 
pigeon  holes,  for  them  to  build  in,  each  bird  having  a 
separate  apartment,  in  which  she  rears  her  young. 
From  this  place  the  light  is  excluded,  as  they  are  fond 
of  a  gloomy  place  while  they  are  setting. 

After  the  young  are  hatched,  the  old  ones  are  fed 
with  soft  food,  such  as  cabbage,  lettuce,  and  chick- 
weed,  and  on  these  delicacies  they  feed  their  young. 
When  the  young  birds  can  feed  themselves,  they  are 
taken  out  of  the  nest,  and  placed  in  cages  away  from 
the  parents,  and  are  here  fed  on  a  composition  made 
of  the  yolks  of  eggs  boiled  hard,  and  mixed  with  a 
little  scalded  rape-seed,  and  crumbs  of  bread.  This 
is  all  beaten  up  together,  and  furnished  fresh  every 
day. 

In  respect  to  the  notes  of  these  birds,  there  is  much 
difference.  Some  of  them  will  have  very  fine  notes 
when  taken  young  and  bred  up  alone.  If  the  song  is 
not  fine,  they  can  be  educated  by  being  placed  with 
another  which  is  a  good  singer.  They  catch  the  tones 
of  other  kindred  songsters  with  considerable  facility, 
and  hence  among  the  best  singers  there  is  a  material 
difference  in  the  song,  depending  on  the  bird  with 
which  they  have  been  educated.  In  some  countries 


THE  CANARY  BIRD.  73 

they  employ  the  nightingale  as  master  musician  to  the 
whole  flock  of  Canaries,  and  it  is  this  which  gives 
some  foreign  birds  a  different  tone  of  voice  from  those 
bred  in  this  country. 

These  little  birds  are  exceedingly  timid,  and  some 
of  them  are  so  sensitive  as  to  fall  down  and  appear  as 
if  dead,  when  frightened.  Dr.  Darwin  relates  an 
anecdote  of  one  which  used  to  faint  away  when  its 
cage  was  cleaned. 

Being  at  a  friend's  house  where  a  Canary  bird  was 
kept,  he  was  told  that  it  always  fainted  away  every 
time  its  cage  was  cleaned.  The  Dr.  desired  to  see 
the  experiment.  The  cage  being  taken  down,  and 
the  bottom  drawn  out,  the  bird  began  to  tremble,  and 
turned  white  about  the  root  of  the  bill  Soon  after,  it 
opened  its  mouth,  as  if  for  breath,  and  breathed  quick; 
it  then  stood  up  on  the  perch,  hung  down  its  wings, 
spread  its  tail,  closed  its  eyes,  and  appeared  quite 
stiff  and  motionless  for  nearly  half  an  hour.  It  then 
with  much  trembling  and  panting,  gradually  came  to 
itself  again.  Similar  instances  it  is  believed,  are  not 
uncommon. 

The  following  anecdote  is  taken  from  Mr.  Bingley's 
Animal  Biography,  and  serves  to  show,  how  much  so 
simple  an  animal  as  the  Canary  Bird,  can  be  taught 
by  time  and  perseverance. 

In  the  month  of  May,  1820,  says  Mr.  Bingley,  a 
Frenchman,  named  Dujon,  exhibited  in  London  twen- 
ty-four Canary  Birds,  some  of  which,  he  said,  were 
from  eighteen  to  twenty-five  years  old.  These  birds 
performed  some  very  extraordinary  feats  at  the  com- 
mand of  their  master. 


74  THE  PIGEON. 

Some  of  them  would  balance  themselves  on  a  table, 
with  their  heads  downwards,  and  their  tails  and  feet 
in  the  air,  standing  on  their  shoulders.  One  of  them 
took  hold  of  a  stick,  with  his  claws,  and  holding  on, 
suffered  himself  to  be  turned  around,  as  if  in  the  act 
of  being  roasted.  Another  balanced  itself  on  a  string, 
and  swung  backwards  and  forwards,  as  mountebanks 
do  on  a  slack  rope.  A  third  was  dressed  in  military 
uniform,  having  a  cap  on  its  head,  wearing  a  sword  and 
ammunition  box  by  its  side,  and  carrying  a  gun  in  one 
claw  :  after  sitting,  or  stand  ing*  upright  for  sometime, 
this  bird,  a,t  the  word  of  command,  threw  off  its  military 
dress,  without  help,  and  then  flew  to  its  cage.  A 
fourth  suffered  itself  to  be  shot  at,  and 'falling  down,  as 
if  dead,  was  put  into  a  little  \vheelbarrow,  and 
wheeled  away  by  one  of  the  other  birds. 

Ho\v  the  Frenchman  contrived  to  make  his  birds 
perform  such  singular  tricks  is  unknown.  But  it  is 
certain  that  their  education  must  have  cost  him  much 
time,  labour,  and  art,  which -might  have  been  spent 
for  a  nobler  and  better  purpose. 


THE  PIGE03T. 

The  Pigeon  tribe  is  quite  numerous,  for  to  this  family 
belong  the  Doves  as  well  as  the  several  kinds  of 
Pigeons.  Some  of  this  tribe  are  to  be  found  in  al- 
most every  part  of  the  world.  Their  food  is  grain, 
and  the  seeds  of  plants.  The  female  lays  two  eggs, 
and  the  young  are  commonly  brother  and  sister.  In 
the  wild  state,  they  generally  hatch  only  once,  or  twice 


THE  PIGEON.  75 

a  year,  but  the  tame  ones,  when  well  fed,  produce  their 
young  every  month. 

Both  male  and  female  assist  in  hatching  and  feeding 
their  young.  While  sitting,  they  associate  in  pairs, 
are  very  fond  of  each  other;  and  do  not  at  this  time 
associate  with  others.  They  take  turns  in  sitting  on 
the  eggs,  "and  when  the  female  stays  away  too  long, 
the  male  goes  out  in  search  of  her,  and  drives  her 
home. 

The  first  food  of  the  young  Pigeon  is  a  soft  white 
substance  which  is  formed  in  the  crops  of  the  parents, 
and  which  is  thrown  up  and  put  into  their  mouths. 
During  the  first  few  days,  this  white  substance  is  un- 
mixed with  any  thing  else  ;  but  after  a  few  days,  a 
little  of  the  food  of  thq  parent  bird  is  given  with  it. 
Gradually  and  from  day  to  day,  as  the  young  birds 
can  bear  more  hearty  food,  the  old  ones  give  them 
less^  of  the  white  substance,  and  more  of  their  own 
food,  so  that  after  about  nine  days,  no  more  of  the 
white  substance  is  given. 

This  is  a  singular  and  wonderful  provision  of  the 
Creator,  and  seems  to  be  designed  to  answer  the 
same  purpose  to  the  young  birds,  that  milk  does  to 
young  quadrupeds.  In  both  cases,  nature  provides 
suitable  nourishment  for  the  young  until  they  are  able 
to  take  more  solid  and  common  food. 

Why  the  Pigeon  should  require  such  an  especial 
provision  more  than  any  other  bird,  is  unknown,  but 
this  peculiarity  is  common  to  all  this  tribe. 


76  THE  PIGEON. 

THE  PASSENGER  PIGEON, 

How  large  is  the  Passenger  Pigeon  ? 

The  Passenger  Pigeon  is  sixteen  inches  long,  arid 
two  feet  in  extent,  with  its  wings  spread, 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird? 

In  shape,  this  bird  is  uncommonly  elegant.  Through 
the  breast  it  is  plump,  and  full ;  the  neck  is  moderate- 
ly long,  and  the  head  quite  small ;  the  upper  mandible 
is  a  little  curved  at  the  end  ;  the  legs  are  short,  and 
feathered  to  the  knee  ;  and  the  tail  is  nearly  as  long  as 
the  body. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  Pigeon  ? 

In  the  beautiful  shades  of  colour,  few  birds  exceed 
this.  The  bill  is  black  ;  the  eyes  red  ;  the  head  and 
upper  part  of  the  neck,  fine  slate  blue  ;  the  breast  and 
throat  orange  red ;  the  upper  part  of  the  neck,  and 
down  the  back,  changeable  green,  purple,  and  goldf; 
the  under  part,  pale  orange,  fading  into  white  ;  quill 
feathers  dark,  and  feet  and  legs,  red. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Passenger  Pigeon  is  found  in  almost  every  part 
of  North  America.  This  bird  is  generally  known  un- 
der the  name]  of  Wild  Pigeon,  and  there  is  hardly  a 
person  in  our  country  who  has  not  seen  it,  either  in 
the  air,  at  the  market,  or  on  the  table. 

The  greatest  peculiarity  concerning  these  birds,  is 
their  habit  of  assembling  together  in  such  vast  multi- 
tudes, as  to  render  the  accounts  of  them  beyond  all  be- 
lief, were  they  not  confirmed  by  the  best  authority. 

They  pass  from  one  part  of  the  country  to  another 
in  immense  flocks,  and  hence  the  name,  Passenger 
Figeon. 


THE  PIGEON.  77 

These  short  migrations  are  not  undertaken  merely 
for  the  purpose  of  finding  a  warmer,  or  a  colder  cli- 
mate, like  those  of  the  common  birds  of  passage,  but 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  food,  for  the  support  of 
their  immense  numbers. 

The  following  account  of  their  migrations,  the  sub- 
stance of  which  is  taken  from  Wilson's  Ornithology, 
may  be  relied  on  as  true,  however  incredible  it  may 
seem,  for  that  gentleman  either  saw  what  he  describes 
himself,  or  had  his  statements  from  the  best  authority. 

Mr.  Wilson  states  that  he  had  seen  immense  flights 
of  these  birds  in  Pennsylvania,  and  Virginia,  but  that 
these  were  merely  straggling  parties,  when  compared 
with  the  congregated  millions  which  he  beheld  after- 
wards, in  Ohio,  Kentucky,  and  Indiana.  The  fertile 
regions  in  these  states  abound  with  beech  nuts,  which 
are  the  principal  food  of  the  wild  Pigeon.  When 
these  nuts  are  consumed  in  one  place,  they  discover 
another  supply,  often  at  the  distance  of  seventy  or 
eighty  miles,  and  to  this  place  they  regularly  fly  every 
morning,  and  return  again  in  the  course  of  the  day, 
to  some  place  which  appears  to  have  been  agreed  on 
among  themselves,  and  where  they  spend  the  night. 

These  places  are  always  in  the  woods,  and  some- 
times occupy  a  large  extent  of  forest.  Such  places, 
after  being  occupied  for  many  nights  by  the  Pigeons, 
present  a  very  curious  and  surprising  appearance. — 
The  surface  of  the  ground  is  every  where  strewed 
with  the  large  branches  of  trees,  which  have  been  bro- 
ken down  by  the  weight  of  the  birds.  All  the  tender 
grass,  and  underwood  is  destroyed,  and  the  large  trees 
themselves  are  as  completely  killed  as  if  they  had  been 
8 


THE  PIGEON. 

girdled  with  an  axe.  Sometimes,  for  thousand*  of 
acres  in  extent,  this  destruction  is  as  complete,  as  it 
would  have  been,  had  it  been  burned  over,  and  the 
marks  of  it  remain  for  many  years  afterwards. 

When  an  encampment  of  this  kind  is  discovered,  the 
news  is  spread  abroad,  and  the  people  come  from  va- 
rious distances,  with  guns,  long  poles,  and  other  mean* 
of  destruction,  and  attack  the  poor  birds  on  all  sides, 
These  attacks  are  made  in  the  night,  when  the  birds 
can  see  nothing,  and  consequently  cannot  take  any 
means  to  avoid  destruction.  In  a  short  time  thou- 
sands are  killed,  so  that  these  hunters  fill  their  sacks, 
and  load  their  horses  and  waggons,  and  are  ready  by 
morning  to  .go  off  with  their  booty. 

Accounts  of  the  places  where  these  birds  build  their 
nests,  and  hatch  their  young,  are  still  more  extraor- 
dinary. 

In  the  States  above  mentioned,  places  of  this  kind 
present  the  most  novel  and  curious  appearances.  The 
nests  are  built  on  the  trees  of  the  forest,  and  nearly 
every  tree  is  occupied  with  a  greater,  or  less  number, 
through  a  large  extent  of  country. 

In  the  State  of  Kentucky,  some  years  ago,  one  of 
these  nestling  places  extended  through  the  woods,  it 
was  said,  to  the  distance  of  forty  miles,  in  a  straight 
line,  and  was  generally  several  miles  wide.  In  this 
tract,  nearly  every  tree  contained  as  many  nests  as  the 
branches  could  accommodate. 

As  soon  as  the  young  were  fully  grown,  the  people 
came  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  with  waggons,  ax~ 
es,  beds,  cooking  vessels,  and  some  of  them  with  their 
whole  families,  and  encamped  around  this  vast  nurse- 


THE  PIGEON.  79 

ly,  where  they  lived  on  the  young  Pigeons,  and  carri- 
ed away  as  many  as  they  wanted. 

Such  was  the  noise  made  by  this  vast  multitude,  that 
the  horses  were  terrified,  the  people  were  astonished, 
and  no  person  could  hear  another  speak,  without  bawl- 
ing in  his  ear.  The  tops  of  every  tree  presented  a 
tumult  of  Pigeons,  crowding  about  their  young,  and 
fluttering  with  their  wings,  so  as  to  produce  a  perpet- 
ual roar  like  that  of  thunder.  Mingled  with  this,  was 
the  frequent  crash  of  falling  trees,  for  the  people  cut 
down  such  as  contained  the  greatest  number  of  nests, 
so  as  the  more  readily  to  come  at  the  young  ones. — 
Sometimes  one  tree  in  its  fall  would  sweep  two  or 
three  smaller  ones  along  with  it,  so  that  the  cutting 
down  a  single  tree  would  often  produce  two  hundred 
Pigeons.  Only  the  young  ones  were  sought  for,  but 
these  were  almost  as  large  as  their  parents,  arid  almost 
one  mass  of  fat. 

Some  trees  contained  more  than  one  hundred  nests, 
and  it  was  dangerous  to  walk  under  them,  on  account 
of  the  frequent  fall  of  large  branches,  which  were  bro- 
ken off  by  the  combined  weight  of  the  nests  and  Pi- 
geons. 

At  the  time  Mr.  Wilson  was  in  Kentucky,  the  Pi- 
geons had  consumed  most  of  the  food  in  that  part  of 
the  country,  and  had  found  another  feeding  place  in 
Indiana,  sixty  or  eighty  miles  distant.  From  one  of 
these  places  to  the  other,  they  were  flying  in  such  vast 
numbers,  as  to  exceed  all  his  belief,  though  he  had  re- 
ceived the  most  wonderful  account  of  their  flights  from 
the  inhabitants. 

*  They  were,"  says  Mr.  Wilson,  tf  flying  with  great 


80  THE  PIGEON. 

steadiness  and  rapidity,  at  a  height,  beyond  my  gun- 
shot, in  several  strata  deep,  arid  so  close  together  that, 
could  shot  have  reached  them,  one  discharge  could 
not  have  failed  of  bringing  down  several  individuals. 
From  right  to  left  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  the 
breadth  of  this  vast  procession  reached  ;  seeming  every 
where  equally  crowded.  Curious  to  determine  how 
long  this  appearance  would  continue,  I  took  out  my 
watch  to  note  the  time,  and  sat  down  to  observe 
them." 

Our  author  goes  on  to  state  that,  for  four  hours  these 
birds  continued  their  flight  in  one  uninterrupted  stream, 
and  that  so  far  from  diminishing  in  numbers,  he 
thought  they  increased. 

He  afterwards  made  an  estimate  of  the  number  of 
Pigeons  which  passed  him  during  the  four  hours.  "  If 
we  suppose  this  column,"  says  he,  "  to  have  been  one 
mile  in  breadth,  (and  I  believe  it  to  have  been  much 
more,)  and  that  it  moved  at  the  rate  of  one  mile  in  a 
minute;  four  hours,  the  time  it  continued  passing, 
would  make  its  whole  length  two  hundred  and  forty 
miles.  Again,  supposing  that  each  square  yard  of  this 
moving  body  comprehended  three  Pigeons;  the  square 
yards  in  the  whole  space  multiplied  by  three,  would 
give  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirty  millions, 
two  hundred  and  seventy-two  thousand  Pigeons." 

This  to  be  sure  is  almost  an  inconceivable  multi- 
tude, "but,  says  the  author,  it  is  propably  far  below 
the  actual  amount.  The  quantity  of  beach  nuts,  and 
acorns,  which  this  number  of  Pigeons  would  consume 
in  a  day,  allowing  half  a  pint  for  each,  would  be  up* 
wards  of  seventeen  millions-of  bushels," 


THE  PIGEON.  81 

The  Creator  has  endowed  these  birds  with  a  won- 
derful rapidity  of  flight,  so  that  they  are  enabled  to 
wander  over  immense  tracts  of  country  in  a  short  time. 
Were  this  not  the  case,  they  must  starve,  since  no 
small  extent  of  country  could  supply  them  with  food 
€ven  for  a  short  time. 

Mr.  Wilson  estimates  their  flight  to  be  a  mile  in  a 
minute,  and  no  man  was  better  able  to  judge  on  such 
a  subject  than  himself.  A  mile  in  a  minute,  would 
make  seven  hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  twelve  hours, 
or  one  day,  a  rate  of  travelling  about  ten  times  as  great 
as  that  at  which  our  mail  coaches  ordinarily  run. — 
We  see,  therefore,  that  in  the  space  of  a  few  days, 
these  birds  could  explore  all  parts  of  our  western  ter- 
ritory in  search  of  food. 

In  the  New  England  States,  though  these  birds  nev- 
er appear  in  such  immense  numbers,  still  they  are 
sometimes  very  numerous. 

In  Connecticut,  and  the  other  Atlantic  States,  great 
numbers  of  them  are  every  year  taken  in  what  are 
called  clap  nets,  and  carried  to  market,  in  all  the  large 
towns.     Many  persors  during  the  autumnal  months, 
make  it  their  business  to  tend  these  nets,  and  carry 
their  produce  to  market.      During  particular  seasons, 
these  birds  are  caught  in  such  abundance,  that  they 
will  sell  for  only  two  or  three  pence  each.      At  such 
times,  they  are  shut  up  in  coops  and  fattened  on  corn, 
and  kept  until  they  can  be  sold  for  a  greater  price. — 
By  being  fed  in  this  manner,  their  flesh  is  much  im- 
proved, and  they  commonly  sell  for  a  price  which  well 
repays  for  the  trouble  and  expense  of  fattening  them. 


82  THE  PIGEON. 

THE  TURTLE  DOVE. 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Turtle  Dove  ? 

The  Turtle  Dove  is  one  foot  long,  and  with  the 
wings  spread  a  foot  and  a  half  in  extent. 

•    W  hat  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

In  shape,  it  very  much  resembles  the  passenger  pi- 
geon, but  is  considerably  smaller. 

What  is  the  colour  of  the  Turtle  Dove  ? 

In  colour  it  also  resembles  the  passenger  pigeon,  but 
all  the  tints  are  paler,  and  its  eyes  are  black,  instead 
of  being  red,  like  those  of  that  pigeon.  Besides  the 
difference  in  size,  its  appearance  is,  therefore,  consid- 
erably different  from  that  of  the  pigeon. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Turtle  Dove  is  found,  more  or  less  frequently, 
in  all  parts  of  the  United  States ;  but  these  birds  nev- 
er congregate  in  great  flocks  like  the  pigeons.  Some 
times  they  are  seen  in  small  flocks,  but  much  more 
commonly  appear  singly,  or  in  couples. 

This  bird  is  known  in  the  southern  states  under  the 
name  of  Carolina  pigeon,  and  in  New  England,  it  has 
the  name  of  Mourning  Dove,  on  account  of  the  dole- 
ful sounds  which  it  utters. 

"  This,"  says  Mr.  Wilson,  "  is  a  favorite  bird  with 
those  who  love  to  wander  among  the  woods  in  the 
spring,  and  listen  to  their  varied  harmony.  They  will 
there  hear  many  a  singular,  and  sprightly  performer, 
but  none  so  mournful  as  this.  The  hopeless  woe  of 
settled  sorrow,  swelling  the  heart  of  female  innocence 
itself,  could  not  assume  tones  more  sad,  or  more  ten- 
der and  affecting."  "  Its  notes  are  four ;  the  first  is 
somewhat  the  highest,  and  preparatory,  seeming  to  be 


THE  PIGEON.  83 

Uttered  with  an  inspiration  of  the  breath,  as  if  the  af- 
flicted creature  were  just  recovering  its  voice  from  the 
last  convulsive  sobs  of  distress ;  this  is  followed  by 
three  long,  deep,  and  mournful  moanings,  that  no  per- 
son of  sensibility  can  listen  to  without  sympathy.  A 
pause  of  a  few  moments  ensues  ;  and  again  the  voice 
of  sorrow  is  renewed  as  before." 

But  these  doleful  tones  are  not  the  notes  of  distress, 
but  of  affection.  They  are  the  language  of  love  and 
contentment,  which  these  faithful  birds  utter  towards 
each  other. 

Turtle  Doves,  to  a  certain  extent,  are  birds  of  pas- 
sage. They  leave  the  northern  and  middle  states  on 
the  approach  of  winter,  and  retire  to  the  warmer  cli- 
mate of  the  southern  states,  where  they  spend  the  cold 
season,  and  return  to  the  north  again  in  the  spring. 

These  birds  make  a  peculiar  whistling  noise  with 
their  wings  when  they  fly,  and  particularly  when  they 
rise  and  light,  and  by  this  they  may  always  be  known 
from  the  pigeons.  They  sit  on  trees,  fences,  or  on  the 
ground,  as  is  most  convenient,  or  as  they  are  invited 
by  the  prospect  of  food.  They  build  their  nests  on 
trees,  generally  preferring  an  evergreen,  for  that  pur- 
pose. It  is  composed  of  a  handful  of  twigs  laid  to- 
gether with  little  art  and  lined  on  the  inside  with  dried 
roots  and  leaves.  The  eggs  are  two  in  number,  and 
almost  as  white  as  snow.  The  two  birds,  like  the  pi- 
geons, unite  in  feeding  and  taking  care  of  the  young. 

The  flesh  of  this  Dove  is  much  superior  to  that  of 
the  pigeon ;  but  its  gentleness,  its  innocence,  and  beau- 
ty, together  with  the  tenderness  of  its  notes,  are  itg 
protection,  except  with  those  whose  appetites  are 


84  THE  PIGEON. 

stronger  than  their  feelings  of  humanity,  or  compas- 
sion. Such  persons  shoot  these  innocent  birds  when- 
ever they  can  find  them.  The  attachment,  and  fidel- 
ity of  Turtle  Doves  to  each  other,  has  been  known 
and  taken  notice  of  in  all  ages,  and  not  unfrequently 
celebrated  in  poetry.  Nor  is  the  idea  of  an  uncom- 
mon affection  between  them  imaginary,  for  if  a  pair 
be  placed  in  a  cage  and  suffered  to  remain  together 
for  a  while,  and  then  one  be  taken  away,  the  other 
will  soon  pine  away  and  die  of  grief. 

A  pair  of  Turtle  Doves  had  been  long  together  in  a 
cage,  when,  during  the  absence  of  one  of  them,  the 
other  was  killed  by  an  unruly  dog.  When  the  other 
came  home,  and  found  that  his  partner  was  gone,  he 
searched  for  her  in  all  the  places  where  she  might  be 
expected  to  be  found,  but  not  finding  her,  he  came 
back  to  the  cage,  and  there  perched  himself  on  the 
feeding  place,  where  they  usually  sat  together.  Here 
he  W7aited  her  return,  constantly  moaning  her  absence 
for  two  days.  But  being  disappointed  in  his  hopes  of 
seeing  her,  he  after  that  time  refused  to  take  any  more 
food,  and  perpetually  moaning  his  loss,  gradually  pined 
away  and  died  on  the  spot. 

The  Dove  is  several  times  mentioned  in  the  scrip- 
tures, and  by  the  Levitical  law  was  not  only  allowed 
*o  be  eaten  as  a  clean  bird,  but  was  also,  sometimes, 
enjoined  to  be  used  in  sacrifice.  *'  A  Turtle  Dove  and 
two  young  pigeons,"  were  a  part  of  the  offering  which 
the  Lord  directed  Abraham  to  make,  as  preparatory 
to  the  revelation  he  made  him  concerning  the  destiny 
of  his  posterity.  In  certain  cases  of  sacrifice,  directed 
by  the  Levitical  law,  where  the  poverty  of  the  person 


THE  PIGEON.  86 

was  such  as  not  to  allow  the  use  of  a  more  costly  ani- 
mal, Doves  or  pigeons  were  enjoined.  The  words 
are,  "And  if  she  be  not  able  to  bring  a  lamb,  then  she 
shall  bring  two  Turtle  Doves,  or  two  young  pigeons  ; 
the  one  for  a  burnt  offering,  and  the  other  for  a  sin  of- 
fering." Leviticus,  chapter  12,  verse  8. 

We  may  learn  from  this,  that  it  is  not  the  value  or 
largeness  of  the  offering  that  makes  it  acceptable  to  the 
Lord,  but  the  motive  with  which  it  is  made. 

If  presented  with  a  humble  and  willing  mind,  the 
Turtle  Doves,  or  pigeons,  were  just  as  acceptable  in 
the  eye  of  Heaven,  as  the  lamb.  The  two  mites  of 
the  poor  widow  were  estimated  above  all  the  splendid 
offerings  which  the  rich,  in  their  pride,  were  induced 
to  give. 

Let  us,  therefore,  when  we  do  acts  of  charity,  take 
care  that  our  hearts  are  in  the  work,  and  then  we  may 
be  sure  that  the  smallest  gifts  will  be  acceptable  offer- 
ings before  the  Lord ;  but  if  we  give  ever  so  much 
merely  to  be  seen  of  men,  our  offerings,  like  that  of 
Cain,  will  be  refused,  and  we  shall  be  guilty  of  hypoc- 
risy in  this  sight. 

In  the  Book  of  Genesis,  the  Dove  is  mentioned  as 
the  bird,  by  means  of  which  Noah  ascertained  that  the 
waters  of  the  flood  had  abated,  and  that  the  dry  land 
had  appeared.  The  raven  which  was  first  sent  forth 
for  this  purpose,  did  not  return,  probably  because  that 
bird,  which  feeds  on  flesh,  found  abundance  of  food  in 
the  dead  animals  which  the  waters  had  destroyed. — 
But  the  clean  and  delicate  Dove,  whose  food  is  only 
the  seeds  of  plants,  could  find  nothing  to  eat,  nor  any 
place  on  which  to  rest  herself,  and  was  therefore  obli- 


THE  PIGEON. 

ged  to  return  to  the  ark.  The  account,  as  contained 
in  Genesis,  is  too  interesting  to  be  omitted  here.  Af- 
ter the  raven  had  returned,  Noah  "  Also  sent  forth  a 
Dove  from  him  to  see  if  the  waters  were  abated  from 
off  the  face  of  the  ground ;  But  the  Dove  found  no 
rest  for  the  sole  of  her  foot,  and  she  returned  unto  him 
into  the  ark,  and  the  waters  were  on  the  face  of  the 
whole  earth ;  then  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and  took  her 
and  pulled  her  in,  unto  him,  into  the  ark.  And  he 
stayed  yet  other  seven  days ;  and  again  he  sent  forth 
the  Dove  out  of  the  ark,  and  the  Dove  came  in  to  him 
in  the  evening,  and  lo,  in  her  mouth  was  an  olive  leaf 
plucked  off;  so  Noah  knew  that  the  waters  were  aba- 
ted from  off  the  earth."  Chapter  8,  verses  8-11. 

Among  the  whole  feathered  creation,  there  is  not, 
perhaps,  a  bird  better  fitted  to  perform  such  an  errand 
than  the  Dove.  Her  wings  are  so  long  and  powerful, 
that  she  remains  on  them  for  many  hours  without  tir- 
ing, and  to  whatever  distance  she  may  go,  she  always 
returns  home  again  at  night. 

The  olive  leaf  which  she  brought  home,  it  appears 
\ras  not  picked  up  on  the  water,  but  was  plucked  off 
from  a  living  tree.  This  then,  was  certain  proof  that 
the  waters  had  not  only  abated*  but  that  within  the 
circuit  which  the  Dove  had  taken,  the  ground  was  left 
naked,  otherwise  she  could  not  have  come  to  the  olive 
tree. 

How  cheering  to  Noah  and  his  family  must  have 
been  this  sure  indication,  that  the  waters  of  the  flood 
were  retiring,  and  that  after  their  long  confinement, 
they  should  soon  again  behold  the  light  of  the  sun,  and 
£tand  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  Hence  it  is,  that  by 


THE  PIGEON.  8? 

all  civilized  nations,  the  olive  branch  has  ever  been 
considered  a  token  of  peace  and  a  harbinger  of  mercy. 

The  Dove  itself,  has,  from  the  first  ages,  been  cele- 
brated for  its  beauty,  innocence,  and  softness  of  man- 
ners; and  hence  women  of  uncommon  beauty  have 
been  named  after  this  bird.  One  of  the  daughters  of 
Job  is  an  instance.  "  And  in  all  the  land,  were  no 
women  found  so  fair  as  the  daughters  of  Job."  Hi* 
eldest  daughter  therefore,  was  called  Jemima,  which 
in  the  Arabic  language  signifies  Dove. 

The  swiftness  and  innocence  of  this  bird  is  beauti- 
fully alluded  to  in  the  55th  Psalm.  "  Oh,  that  I  had 
wings  like  a  Dove  !  for  then  I  would  fly  a\vay  and  be 
at  rest ;  I  would  hasten  my  escape  from  the  windy 
storms  and  tempests." 

Good  people  are  always  in  pain,  when  they  are  obli- 
ged to  be  in  company  with  the  wicked.  They  desire 
to  escape  from  the  windy  storm  and  tempest,  the  bois- 
terous riotings  of  evil  men.  Hence  it  is,  that  pious 
and  godly  men,  are  never  seen  in  the  company  of  the 
wicked  and  ungodly,  unless  it  is  for  the  purpose  of  set- 
ting them  a  good  example,  and  trying  to  make  them 
better. 

The  Dove  is  mentioned  in  several  other  places  in  the 
holy  scriptures,  but  we  can  here  allude  to  only  one 
more. 

This  bird,  as  is  well  known,  has  alwrays  been  admir- 
ed for  its  innocence,  and  amiable  disposition.  Our 
Saviour,  in  allusion  to  this  part  of  its  character,  makes 
it  an  example  for  imitation  to  his  disciples.  "  Be  ye 
as  wise  as  serpents,  and  as  harmless  as  Doves,"  was 
an  important  part  of  the  directions  which  he  enjoined 


88  THE  PARROT. 

on  them  to  observe,  when  they  should  go  out  into  the 
world  to  preach  the  gospel. 

Every  character  would  be  imperfect,  without  wis- 
dom and  innocence  :  but  with  these  two  qualities  com- 
bined, a  character  would  be  formed,  than  which  no- 
thing in  human  nature  could  be  more  perfect. 

Wisdom  without  innocence,  would  qualify  its  pos- 
sessor to  do  much  evil  in  the  world,  by  imposing  upon 
others  ;  and  by  carrying  into  effect  ambitious  plans,  to 
the  great  injury  of  mankind.  Innocence,  without  wis- 
dom, would  constantly  expose  its  jtossessor  to  be 
cheated,  and  deceived  by  the  arts  of  designing  men. 

But  he  who  has  a  sound  judgement,  and  an  enlight- 
ened understanding,  combined  with  integrity  and  be- 
nevolence, is  prepared  to  prosecute  the  most  important 
ends  by  the  most  judicious  means.  Such  a  man,  would 
be  both  enabled,  and  inclined,  to  prove  all  things,  and 
to  hold  fast  only  to  that  which  is  good. 


THE  PARROT. 

This  tribe  of  birds  are  natives  of  warm  countries. 
They  associate  in  flocks  at  certain  seasons,  but  live 
chiefly  in  pairs,  and  are  excessively  noisy  and  clamor- 
ous. They  lay  their  eggs  in  hollow  trees,  and  the  two 
birds  take  turns  in  sitting  on  the  eggs.  The  legs  are 
short,  and  the  toes  are  four  in  number,  of  which  two 
are  set  forward  and  two  backward.  The  bill  is  short 
and  hooked,  and  the  upper,  as  well  as  the  lower  man- 
dible moves.  The  head  is  large,  and  the  crown  flat. 
They  live  on  fruits  and  seeds,  which  they  carry  to  the 


THE  PARROT.  SS> 

mouth  with  one  of  the  claws.  They  assist  themselves 
in  climbing  with  their  bills.  Some  of  them  can  be 
taught  to  speak  words. 

Parrots  seem  to  hold  the  same  place  among  birds, 
that  monkeys  do  among  quadrupeds.  Both  are  nu- 
merous, imitative,  and  mischievous. 

The  largest  birds  of  this  kind  are  called  Macaws  ; 
the  next  size  are  called  Parrots,  and  the  smallest, 
Paroquets. 

HHE  GREEN  MACAW. 

How  large  is  the  Green  Macaw  ? 

The  Green  Macaw  is  a  foot  and  a  half  long,  from 
the  head  to  the  end  of  the  tail.  The  tail  is  somewhat 
longer  than  the  body. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  general  colour  of  this  bird  is  green,  as  its  name 
indicates  ;  its  bill  is  black  ;  around  the  eyes  it  is 
white,  marked  with  black  lines  ;  the  forehead  is  ches- 
nut  purple,  and  the  crown  blue  :  on  the  thighs  the 
feathers  are  red  ;  and  the  wings  are  in  different  parts 
crimson,  blue,  and  black. 

Where  is  the  Green  Macaw  found  ? 

The  Green  Macaw,  is  found  in  Brazil  and  other 
parts  of  South  America.  These  birds,  if  properly 
treated,  will  bear  the  cold  of  northern  climates,  but 
they  never  multiply  out  of  their  own  country.  They 
are  easily  domesticated,  and  soon  become  familiar  with 
the  family  in  which  they  are  kept.  Towards  stran- 
gers, however,  they  are  exceedingly  snappish,  and  ill- 
natured. 

The  Green  Macaw  is  very  fond  of  the  notice  and 
9 


9d  THE  PARROT. 

attention  of  its  mistress,  and  is  highly  offended,  if  she 
pays  any  attention  to  a  child  in  its  presence.  If  she 
takes  the  child  on  her  lap  and  caresses  it,  the  bird 
becomes  outrageous,  and  will  dart  upon,  and  bite  it,  if 
not  prevented. 

From  the  same  jealous  disposition,  this  bird  cannot 
bear  the  presence  of  other  Parrots  ;  but  if  one  be 
brought  into  the  room,  becomes  angry,  and  enjoys  no 
peace  until  it  is  removed. 

This  kind  of  Parrot  is  exceedingly  noisy  and  mis- 
chievous. It  will  tear  things  in  pieces,  bite  strangers, 
and  squall  in  a  most  unpleasant  manner.  It  is  some- 
times taught  to  speak  words,  but  never  talks  with  the 
same  facility  that  some  of  the  smaller  kinds  do.  It  is 
chiefly  admired,  therefore,  for  its  size  and  beauty. 

THE  GUINEA  PARROT. 

This  bird  is  called  the  little  red-headed  Parrot, 
and  by  some  the  Guinea  Sparrow.  It  is  among  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  Parrot  kind,  and  in  size  not  much 
larger  than  the  lark. 

This  Parrot  is  found  in  Guinea,  Ethiopia,  and  the 
East  Indies,  where  great  flocks  of  them  are  often  seen. 

Its  general  colour  is  green ;  the  bill,  chin,  and  fore- 
head are  red,  and  the  lower  part  of  the  back  is  blue. 

These  birds  are  •  exceedingly  kind  and  affectionate 
towards  ea)ch  other,  and  it  has  been  observed  that  the 
female  generally  perches  on  the  left  side  of  the  male, 
and  that  she  seldom  attempts  to  eat  before  he  sets  the 
example. 

Mr.  Bingley  relates  that  a  couple  of  these  birds  were 


THE  PARROT.  9i 

kept  together  in  a  large  cage,  on  the  bottom  of  which 
their  food  and  drink  were  placed  in  the  usual  manner. 
The  cage  had  several  perches  in  it,  but  the  birds  com- 
monly sat  on  the  same  perch,  and  close  beside  .each 
other.  When  one  went  down  for  food,  the  other  went 
also,  and  when  both  had  satisfied  their  appetites,  they 
returned  together  to  the  highest  perch. 

In  this  manner  they  passed  four  years  in  their  con- 
finement, and  from  their  attentions  to  each  other,  and 
their  apparent  contentment,  it  was  evident  that  a 
strong  attachment  existed  between  them. 

At  the  end  of  this  time,  the  female  fell  into  a  state 
of  weakness,  which  had  every  symptom  of  old  age ; 
her  legs  swelled,  and  knots  appeared  on  them,  as  if  the 
disease  had  been  of  the  gout  kind.  It  was  no  longer 
in  her  power  to  go  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  cage 
and  take  her  food,  as  she  had  always  done  before,  and 
the  male  seeing  this,  kindly  carried  it  up  to  her,  taking 
it  in  his  bill,  and  putting  it  into  her  mouth,  as  she  sat 
on  the  perch. 

In  this  way  he  continued  to  feed  her  with  the  great- 
est care  and  attention  for  four  months,  she  never  at- 
tempting to  come  down  from  her  place.  Her  infirm- 
ities, however,  increased  every  day,  until  she  was  no 
longer  able  to  sit  there,  but  fell  down  to  the  bottom  of 
the  cage.  She  now,  from  time  to  time,  made  feeble 
efforts  to  get  on  the  lower  perch,  and  in  these  attempts, 
the  male  tried  every  way  in  his  power  to  assist  her. 
Sometimes  he  took  hold  of  the  upp'er  part  of  her  wing, 
and  used  all  his  power  to  draw  her  up  to  him  on  the 
perch,  and  this  not  succeeding,  he  laid  hold  of  her  bill, 
and  tried  to  pull  her  up  in  that  way,  repeating  bis  ef- 


92  THE  PARROT. 

forts  for  that  purpose  several  times.  His  countenance? 
his  actions,  and  his  continued  anxiety,  showed  in  this 
affectionate  bird  a  strong  desire  to  assist  the  weakness 
of  his  companion,  and  to  soften  her  sufferings. 

But  the  scene  became  still  more  interesting,  and 
touching,  when  the  female  was  at  the  point  of  death. 
Her  unfortunate  partner  went  round,  and  round  her, 
without  stopping  ;  he  increased  his  attentions,  and  his 
tender  cares  as  her  weakness  increased  ;  he  tried  to 
open  her  bill  to  give  her  food,  when  she  no  longer  had 
power  to  open  it  herself ;  his  grief  seemed  to  increase 
every  moment ;  he  would  go  to  her,  and  return  again, 
without  doing  airy  thing,  because  he  knew  not  what  to 
do :  now  and  then  he  uttered  the  most  pitiful  cries, 
and  at  other  times  he  stood  with  his  eyes  fixed  on  her 
in  sorrowful  silence. 

At  last  the  poor  bird  breathed  its  last  breath  ;  and 
from  that  time  he  became  feeble,  and  moaning  his  soli- 
tary state,  he  languished  a  few  months,  and  then  died 
also. 

Here  we  see  an  example  of  affection  in  a  pair  of 
little  birds,  well  worthy  of  our  imitation.  In  this  world 
of  sickness  and  trouble,  there  is  not  a  duty  we  owe 
our  fellow  creatures  more  obvious,  than  that  of  assist- 
ing those  who  cannot  help  themselves.  Nor  is  it  to 
our  particular  friends  only,  that  we  owe  this  duty  ;  for 
Christ  says,  "  if  ye  love  them  which  love  you,  what 
reward  have  ye?  do  not  even  the  publicans  the  same?** 
This  shows  that  we  are  not  to  expect  any  reward  for 
loving  and  helping  our  friends,  and  those  who  love  us  ; 
on  the  contrary,  it  is  wicked  and  unfeeling  not  to  do 
so.  Even  the  birds  of  the  air,  as  we  see  by  the  above 


THE  PARROT.  93 

story,  possess  natural  affection,  and  repay  kindness 
with  kindness.  As  reasonable  beings,  and  above  all, 
as  Christians,  we  are  bound  to  do  more.  We  must 
extend  the  hand  of  chanty  and  benevolence  to  stran- 
gers, when  in  affliction,  and  like  the  Good  Samaritan, 
pour  oil  and  wine  into  the  wounds  of  the  distressed, 
wherever  we  meet  them. 

THE  ASH  COLOURED  PARROT. 

How  large  is  the  ash  6oloured  Parrot  ? 

The  ash  coloured  Parrot  measures  nearly  a  foot  and 
a  half  long  ;  but  the  tail  is  considerably  longer  than 
the  body. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  plumage  is  chiefly  of  the  colour  of  wood  ashes  ; 
the  bill  is  black  ;  the  head  and  neck  are  grey  ;  the  tail 
is  bright  red  ;  the  legs  are  ash  coloured,  and  claws 
blackish. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  bird  is  a  native  of  Guinea,  and  other  parts  of 
Africa. 

This  is  the  kind  of  Parrot  that  is  most  highly  valued, 
on  account  of  the  facility  with  which  it  imitates  the 
human  voice.  It  listens  with  great  attention  to  its 
instructor,  and  will  try  to  repeat  its  lesson  wben  alone- 
Its  memory,  if  cultivated 'when  young,  is  sometimes 
very  surprising.  An  author  of  credit  tells  us  of  a 
Parrot,  which  could  repeat  the  whote  of  the  Apostles' 
creed,  without  making  any  mistakes. 

Some  of  these  birds  of  uncommon  talents  in  the  art 
of  talking  and  singing,  have  been  sold  for  considerable 
sums  of  money.  Colonel  O'Kelly,  an  English  gentle- 
9* 


&4  THE  PARROT. 

man,  gave  for  a  Parrot  five  hundred  dollars.  This 
bird  could  repeat  a  great  number  of  sentences,  answer 
many  questions,  and  sing  or  whistle  a  variety  of  songs- 
While  singing  or  whistling,  it  beat  time  with  all  the 
accuracy  of  an  experienced  musician.  If  any  mistake 
was  made  in  the  performance,  it  would  go  back  to 
the  place  of  the  error,  correct  it,  and  then  sing  the 
tune  through  with  wonderful  exactness.  This  singular 
bird  could  express  her  wants  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
be  well  understood  by  the  family. 

Her  exact  age  was  not  known,  but  it  was  certain 
that  she  was  upwards  of  thirty  years  old  when  she 
died. 

Colonel  O'Kelly  was  repeatedly  offered  five  hun- 
dred guineas  a  year  for  the  use  of  this  bird,  by  those 
who  wished  to  carry  her  about  for  public  exhibition  : 
but  out  of  tenderness  to  his  favourite,  he  constantly  re- 
fused to  let  her  go  at  any  price. 

This  bird  was  so  celebrated  in  London,  that  when 
she  died,  an  account  of  her  death,  with  a  sketch  of 
her  life,  was  given  in  the  London  Evening  Post. 

Dr.  Goldsmith  says,  that  a  Parrot,  which  belonged 
to  king  Henry  the  Seventh,  having  been  kept  in  a 
room  next  the  river  Thames,  had  learned  to  repeat 
many  words  and  sentences  from  the  boatmen  and 
passengers  on  the  river.  One  day  while  it  was  sport- 
ing on  the  perch,  which  happened  to  be  over  the  river, 
it  unluckily  fell  into  the  water.  The  bird  no  sooner 
found  itself  in  this  situation,  than  it  called  aloud,  "  A 
boat !  twenty  pounds  for  a  boat !"  A  boatman,  hap- 
pening to  be  near  the  place  where  the  Parrot  was* 
floating,  immediately  took  it  up,  and  carried  it  to  the 


THE  PARROT.  95 

king,  at  the  same  time  demanding  of  him  the  twenty 
pounds  which  the  bird  had  bid  for  the  boat.  This  the 
king  refused,  but  agreed  to  leave  it  to  the  Parrot  to 
say  how  much  the  man  should  have.  The  bird,  un- 
derstanding this  conversation,  instantly  screamed  out, 
"  Give  the  knave  a  groat !" 

Mr.  Locke  has  related  an  anecdote  of  one  of  these 
birds,  still  more  extraordinary,  and  were  it  not  the 
case,  that  the  evidence  was  sufficient  to  satisfy  him  of 
its  truth,  we  should  not  relate  it  here. 

There  was  a  certain  old  Parrot  at  Brazil,  which  was 
so  celebrated  for  giving  answers  like  a  rational  crea- 
ture, that  Prince  Maurice  had  the  curiosity  to  send  for 
it,  and  see  for  himself,  whether  the  extraordinary  sto- 
ries he  had  heard  about  it  were  true. 

When  first  brought  into  the  room,  the  bird  exclaim- 
ed, "  What  a  company  of  white  men  are  here."  One 
of  the  company  then  asked  it,  "  who  is  that  man," 
(pointing  towards  the  prince.)  The  Parrot  answered, 
"  some  great  general  or  other."  The  prince  then  ask- 
ed it,  "  from  what  place  do  you  come."  The  bird 
replied,  "  from  Maringan."  "  To  whom  do  you  be- 
long ?  said  the  prince.  "  To  a  Portuguese,"  said  Poll. 
He  asked  again,  "  what  do  you  do  there  ?"  "  I  look 
after  chickens,"  The  prince,  laughing,  exclaimed, 
44  You  look  after  chickens  !"  The  Parrot  answered, 
"  Yes,  I, — and  1  know  well  enough  how  to  do  it ;"  at 
the  same  time  beginning  to  chuck,  like  a  hen. 

This  story  is  related  by  Mr.  Locke,  in  his  Essay  on 
Human  Understanding. 


9fi  THE  CROW. 

THE  CROW. 

The  Crow  tribe  feed  both  on  flesh  and  vegetables. 
They  associate  in  flocks,  and  are  sometimes  very  noisy 
and  clamorous.  They  inhabit  almost  every  country 
in  the  world,  and  generally  build  their  nests  on  trees. 
Some^of  them  do  much  mischief  by  pulling  up  and 
eating  the  corn  after  it  is  planted.  This  tribe  have 
claws,  for  seizing,  their  prey,  which  they  sometimes 
take  alive ;  but  their  bills  are  not  hooked,  for  tearing, 
like  those  of  the  falcon.  One  or  two  of  this  family 
can  be  taught  to  sing,  and  to  speak  words.  The  Ra- 
ven, common  Crow,  and  Rook,  belong  to  this  family. 

THE  RAVEN. 

How  large  is  the  Raven  ? 

The  Raven  is  two  feet  long,  from  the  bill  to  the  end 
of  the  tail,  and  nearly  four  feet  in  extent,  with  the 
wings  spreadT. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  general  colour  of  the  Raven  is  deep,  glossy 
black,  with  steel  blue  reflections. 

What  is  the  difference  between  the  Raven  and  the  Crow  ? 

This  bird  differs  from  the  Crow  in 'being  larger,  and 
in  having  its  bill  more  hooked  at  the  end.  It  also 
differs  in  colour,  the  Crow  being  of  a  bluish  black,  and 
without  that  gloss  which  is  seen  on  the  Raven. 

This  bird  is  hardy,  bold,  voracious,  sly,  and  very 
mischievous.  When  tamed,  which  is  easily  done,  it 
becomes  familiar,  and  gentle,  and  by  the  variety  of 
tricks  which  it  plays,  is  often  very  amusing.  It  may 
be  taught  to  bring  and  carry  things,  like  a  dog,  to  talk, 


THE  CROW.  97 

like  a  parrot,  and  even  to  sing  with  a  tolerable  voice. 
But  the  cunning  and  vicious  tricks  which  the  Raven  is 
always  in  the  habit  of  playing,  often  renders  him  a 
very  disagreeable  animal.  He  is  so  voracious,  as  to 
eat  any  thing  that  comes  in  his  way,  either  raw  or 
cooked.  He  is  also  a  thief  by  habit,  and  even  when 
he  has  enough,  will  continue  to  steal,  and  hide  his 
plunder.  He  is  curious  to  know  what  is  contained  in 
every  nook  and  corner  of  the  house  :  and  particularly 
if  any  thing  is  covered  up,  and  carefully  concealed,  he 
will  continue  to  poke  and  pry,  until,  if  possible,  he 
comes  at  -the  secret.  He  torments  the  dogs  and  cats, 
by  bawling,  and  striking  at  them  ;  plays  his  tricks 
upon  the  hens  and  chickens  ;  drives  away  every  rookt 
crow,  or  Raven,  that  comes  near  his  habitation  ;  and 
picks  out  the  eyes  of  every  sick  sheep  or  lamb  in  the 
barn  yard. 

He  is  so  in  the  habit  of  stealing,  as  to  take  things  of 
which  he  can  make  no  sort  of  use.  Any  article  that 
has  a  shining  surface,  iS  always  a  strong  temptation  to 
him.  A  tea-spoon,  a  piece  of  money,  a  ring,  or  a  knife, 
are  things  on  which  he  sets  a  particular  value  ;  and  he 
never  fails,  when  they  come  in  his  way,  to  carry  them 
to  his  favourite  hiding  place. 

A  cook  in  a  family  missed  many  tea-spoons,  one  af- 
ter another,  but  could  not  account  for  the  loss.  He 
also  missed  several  other  articles,  in  a  manner  quite 
mysterious,  and  unaccountable.  The  poor  honest 
cook  might  have  been  accused  of  .taking  these  things 
himself,  had  he  not  one  day  caught  a  Raven  that  was 
kept  in  the  house  in  the  act  of  stealing  a  tea-spoon. 
He  watched  the  bird,  and  saw  him  carry  it  away  to 


n  THE  CROW. 

his  hiding-place,  and  there  conceal  it.  The  cook  now 
laid  open  the  mystery,  for  on  searching  this  place,  he 
not  only  drew  out  this  spoon,  but  a  dozen  more  along 
with  it. 

In  the  wild  state,  the  Raven  is  a  most  greedy  and 
ferocious  bird.  He  destroys  and  devours  any  helpless 
animal  that  falls  within  his  power.  About  his  food,  he 
has  not  the  least  delicacy.  No  kind  of  flesh,  whether 
living,  or  long  dead,  comes  amiss  to  him.  Any  thing 
which  is  lame  or  sick,  and  which  he,  can  master,  or 
which  once  had  life,  excites  his  craving  appetite,  and 
he  falls  eagerly  to  work  to  satisfy  it.  Having  eaten  all 
he  can  himself,  he  then  goes  and  gives  notice  to  his 
fellow  Ravens  of  his  good  fortune,  and  invites  them  to 
go  and  partake  of  what  he  has  left. 

The  Raven  is  not,  like  the  eagle  and  falcon,  a  bold* 
and  courageous  warrior,  who  attacks  animals  in  the 
vigour  of  life,  and  thus  gives  them  a  chance  of  escap- 
ing if  they  can  ;  but  he  is  a  base  and  cowardly  assas- 
sin, who  attacks  the  young  or  the  disabled,  when  they 
can  make  no  resistance.  In  his  disposition,  he  is  art- 
ful, mean,  and  cruel,  and  in  his  habits  unclean  and  vo- 
racious. 

Such  is  the  character  of  the  Raven.  In  it  we  find 
nothing  generous,  or  noble,  or  any  thing  that  is  worthy 
of  imitation ;  but  on  the  contrary,  every  part  of  his 
conduct  is  hateful  and  worthy  only  to  be  despised. 
Even  his  colour  is  made  to  correspond  with  the  dark- 
ness of  his  character. 

The  Raven  has  always  been  considered  a  bini  of 
ill  omen.  Its  croakings  were  supposed  to  be  a  sign, 
that  some  evil  was  about  to  happen  to  one  or  more  of 


THE  CROW.  90 

the  persons  who  heard  them.  Even  at  the  present 
day,  some  ignorant  people  believe  that  if  a  Raven 
lights  upon  their  houses,  some  dreadful  accident  will 
happen  to  one  or  more  of  the  family.  This  belief, 
however,  arises  from  folly,  and  the  want  of  knowledge  ; 
for  nothing  can  be  more  ridiculous,  than  to  suppose 
that  this  bird  is  sent  by  a  superior  power,  to  warn  us 
of  evil ;  and  it  would  be  still  more  foolish  to  believe 
that  the  bird  came  of  its  own  accord  for  this  purpose, 

The  Raven  is  several  times  spoken  of  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  generally  in  allusion  to  some  of  its  peculiar 
habits ;  once  or  twice  it  is  mentioned  in  connexion 
with  interesting  historical  events. 

This  bird  often  builds  its  nest  on  the  top  of  some 
ancient  tower,  or  in  some  part  of  a  ruined  or  forsaken 
building  ; — a  place  once  inhabited,  but  which  has  be- 
come desolate,  by  the  death,  or  removal  of  the  people. 
In  allusion  to  this  circumstance,  several  of  the  proph- 
ets, when  they  have  spoken  of  the  approaching  ruin 
of  a  people,  or  nation,  have  figuratively  expressed  it, 
by  saying,  that  where  cities  once  stood,  and  where  the 
voice  of  mirth  and  melody  was  once  heard,  ther3 
should  come  such  desolation,  that  the  Raven  should  in- 
habit that  place.  Thus  Isaiah  says  of  Edom  :  "  The 
cormorant  and  the  bittern  shall  possess  it,  tfie  owl, 
also,  and  the  Raven,  shall  dwell  in  it."  Chapter  34, 
verse  11. 

When  we  consider  that  the  Raven  and  the  owl  live 
only  in  places  which  are  distant  from  the  habitations 
of  men,  and  that  in  their  wild  state,  they  shun  all  hu- 
man society,  we  cannoflbut  be  struck  with  the  awful 
desolation  that  attended  the  fulfilment  of  this  prophecy, 

1 


100  THE  CROW. 

And  yet  it  is  thus  that  God  sometimes  punishes  the 
wickedness  of  nations. 

The  young  Ravens,  in  another  place  are  spoken  of, 
as  being  under  the  particular  care  of  providence.  The 
Most  High  said  to  Job,  "  who  provideth  for  the  Raven 
his  food?  when  his  young  ones  cry  unto  God,  they 
wander  for  lack  of  meat."  Job,  chapter  38,  verse  41. 
Again,  it  is  said,  "  He  giveth  to  the  beast  his  food,  and 
to  the  young  Ravens  when  they  cry." 

These  passages,  while  they  show  the  care  which 
God  takes  of  all  his  creatures,  are  striking  illustrations 
of  the  natural  history  of  this  bird.  The  old  Ravens,  as 
soon  as  the  young  ones  are  of  a  certain  age,  and 
sometimes  even  before  they  are  able  to  take  care  of 
themselves,  either  forsake  them,  or  drive  them  away 
from  the  nest.  And  hence  they  are  often  heard  to 
cry,  and  are  seen  to  wander,  "  for  lack  of  meat." 

It  is  at  this  this  time  that  the  native  instinct  of  these 
young  creatures  is  first  called  into  action,  in  order  to 
seek  out  their  food,  and  thus  it  is,  that  the  God  of  Na- 
ture and  of  Heaven,  feeds  them,  by  endowing  them 
with  sagacity  to  provide  for  their  own  wants. 

This  is  a  striking  example  of  the  fatherly  care  which 
the  Almighty  exercises  over  all  his  works  ;  and  from 
it  we  may  conclude  that  since  He  "  feeds  the  young 
Ravens  when  they  cry,"  there  i§  a  certainty  that  the 
children  of  men  will  never  suffer  want,  so  long  as  they 
put  their  trust  in  Him. 

Solomon  alludes  to  this  bird  in  his  awful  warning  to 
children  against  disobedience  to  their  parents.  "  The 
eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father,  and  despiseth  to  obey 
the  voice  of  his  mother,  the  Ravens  of  the  valley  shall 


THE  CROW.  101 1 

pick  it  out,  and  the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it."     Prov- 
erbs, chapter  30,  verse  17. 

Solomon  here  refers  to  the  valley  of  Tophet,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Jerusalem,  which  was  called  the 
valley  of  dead  bodies,  because  the  remains  of  executed 
criminals  were  thrown  there.  This  place  was  the 
resort  of  rapacious  birds,  for,  as  the  bodies  of  these 
criminals  were  left  unburied,  they  here  found  full  gra- 
tification for  their  voracious  appetites. 

The  most  disgraceful  and  ignominious  treatment 
that  could  be  inflicted  on  the  wrorst  of  men,  was  to 
cast  their  bodies  into  this  valley.  And  hence,  it  was 
not  every  criminal  who  suffered  death,  but  only  the 
most  guilty,  that  underwent  this  punishment. 

How  horrid,  and  unnatural,  then,  must  the  crime  of 
disobedience  to  parents  have  appeared  in  the  eyes  of 
Solomon,  when  he  says,  that  such  children  deserve 
the  punishment  which  is  reserved  only  for  the  most 
guilty  malefactor. 

Let  children,  then,  take  care  how  they  treat  their 
parents  with  scorn,  or  contempt,  but  let  them  render 
due  obedience  to  their  commands ;  always  remember- 
ing, that  by  so  doing,  they  obey,  not  only  the  law  of 
God,  but  of  nature  ;  and  that,  by  refusing  to  do  so, 
they  run  the  risk  of  becoming  miserable  outcasts,  both 
in  this  world,  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Another  interesting  fact  concerning  the  Raven,  is, 
that  these  birds  fed  the  holy  prophet  Elijah,  at  the 
command  of  God,  in  the  time  of  famine.  The  Lord 
said  to  Elijah,  "  Get  thee  hence,  and  hide  thyself  by 
the  brook  Cherith,  that  is  before  Jordan.  And  it  shall 
be,  that  thou  shalt  drink  the  brook ;  and  I  have  com- 
10 


10*  THE  CROW. 

manded  the  Ravens  to  feed  thee  there."  First 
Chapter  17,  verse  3-6.  "  So  he  did  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord."  "  And  the  Ravens  brought  him 
bread  and  flesh  in  the  morning,  and  bread  and  flesh  ire 
the  evening,  and  he  drank  of  the  brook." 

If  the  inquiry  be  made,  where  the  Ravens  obtained 
the  bread  and  meat  for  the  supply  of  the  prophet,  we 
have  no  certain  answer  to  give  on  that  subject,  as  the 
Scriptures  do  not  inform  us. 

THE  ROOK. 

The  Rook  is  about  the  size  of  the  common  Crow, 
being  a  foot  and  a  half  long,  and  nearly  three  feet  in 
extent. 

The  Rook  and  the  crow  appear  so  much  alike,  that 
one  is  often  mistaken  for  the  other.  But  the  Rook 
differs  from  the  crow  in  having  no  feathers  between 
the  root  of  the  bill  and  the  eye,  and  in  having  a  more 
glossy  and  beautiful  plumage.  These  birds,  also, 
differ  widely  in  their  habits,  the  crow  living  on  putrid 
flesh,  while  the  Rook  feeds  only  on  insects  and  corn. 

Rooks  are  very  sociable  in  their  habits,  and  in  their 
manners  harmless  and  innocent.  They  assemble  in 
large  flocks,  and  are  so  fond  of  the  society  of  each  oth- 
er, as  to  build  their  nests  together  on  the  same  tree. 
It  sometimes,  however,  happens  in  this  community,  as 
well  as  in  others,  that  individuals  quarrel,  and  are  oc- 
casionally seen  pulling  the  nests  of  each  other  in  pie- 
ces, and  fighting  for  the  mastery.  Such  conduct  would 
seem  unfavourable  to  their  living  together  in  harmony, 
and  yet,  if  a  pair  take  offence  at  such  a  quarrel,  and 
^etire  to  a  separate  tree,  and  there  build  their  nest,  the 


THE  CROW.  10S 

others  will  follow,  and  pull  it  in  pieces.  Some  unhap- 
py pairs  are  not  permitted  to  build  their  nests  at  any 
place,  until  all  the  rest  have  finished  theirs,  for  as  soon 
as  they  have  placed  a  few  sticks  together  as  a  founda- 
tion, a  party  will  come,  and  throw  them  on  the  ground. 
This,  probably,  is  owing  to  some  offence  they  have 
given  to  the  community. 

As  soon  as  the  Rooks  have  finished  their  nests,  and  , 
before  they  lay  their  eggs,  the  males  begin  to  bring 
food  and  feed  the  females ;  and  they  continue  to  sup- 
ply them  in  this  manner  during  the  whole  time  they 
are  sitting,  and  until  the  young  are  of  considerable 
size,  thus  leaving  the  mothers  entire  leisure  to  take 
care  of  their  young  in  the  best  manner. 

When  a  community  of  these  birds  is  once  formed, 
they  seldom  admit  strangers  among  them.     If  new- 
comers from  other  societies  appear  in  the  neighbour-  % 
hood,  the  old  inhabitants  are  so  uncivil  as  to  give  them 
a  severe  beating,  and  drive  them  away. 

A  curious  instance  of  this  kind  happened  at  New- 
castle, in  England.  Near  that  town  there  was  a  large 
rookery,  which  had  been  established  for  many  years ; 
and  it  seems  that  this  community  had,  as  usual,  adopt- 
ed the  rule,  that  their  numbers  should  not  be  increased 
by  the  admission  of  strangers  among  them.  One  year 
however,  in  defiance  of  this  rule,  a  pair  of  strange 
Rooks  came  and  attempted  to  join  this  society  by 
building  their  nest  among  the  others.  But  they  were 
constantly  beaten  by  the  old  inhabitants ;  their  nest 
was  pulled  down,  and  they  were  finally  compelled  to 
quit  the  place.  These  poor  birds  then  took  refuge  on 
the  spire  of  the  Exchange,  in  the  midst  of  the  town, 


104  THE  CROW. 

and  although  perpetually  insulted  and  interrupted  by 
the  other  llooks,  they  continued  to  work,  until  they 
finished  a  nest  on  the  top  of  the  vane.  Here  they 
reared  their  young,  and  although  the  nest  and  its  in- 
habitants were  turned  about  by  every  change  of  wind, 
still  they  become  so  attached  to  the  place  as  to  return 
and  occupy  the  same  nest  for  ten  successive  years. 
The  spire  was  then  pulled  down,  and  these  faithful 
birds  were  compelled  to  seek  another  place. 

This  circumstance  was  so  curious,  and  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Newcastle  felt  such  an  interest  in  these  birds, 
that  an  engraver  there,  executed  a  small  representation 
of  the  top  of  the  spire,  the  vane,  and  the  nest,  and  such 
was  the  demand  for  this  little  curiosity,  that  the  artist 
made  a  considerable  sum  of  money  for  his  pains. 

The  substance  of  the  following  account  of  a  com- 
munity of  Rooks,  is  related  by  Dr.  Percival. 

A  large  colony  of  Rooks  lived  many  years  in  a  grove 
on  the  bank  of  a  river  near  Manchester,  in  England. 
On  a  pleasant  morning,  it  was  curious  and  interesting 
to  watch  the  various  labours  and  amusements  of  this 
crowded  society.  The  idle  members  amused  them- 
selves by  chasing  each  other  in  every  direction  ;  and 
in  their  flight,  they  made  the  air  resound  with  their 
discordant  croakings. 

In  the  midst  of  these  playful  tricks,  it  unfortunately 
happened  that  one  Rook,  by  a  sudden  turn,  struck  his 
bill  against  the  wing  of  another,  and  the  blow  was 
such  as  to  throw  the  wounded  bird  into  the  river. 
On  seeing  this,  the  sport  ceased  in  an  instant,  and  a 
general  cry  of  distress  was  heard  throughout  the  com- 
munity. All  the  birds  hovered,  with  every  expression 


THE  SHRIKE.  10& 

of  anxiety,  over  their  suffering  companion.  Encoura- 
ged by  these  marks  of  their  kindness,  and  perhaps  ad- 
vised by  a  language  known  only  to  each  other,  the 
wounded  bird  sprang  into  the  air,  and  with  one  strong 
effort  reached  the  point  of  a  rock  at  the  edge  of  the 
water.  On  this,  the  expressions  of  joy  were  loud  and 
animated  from  the  whole  company.  But  this  cry  was 
soon  changed  into  notes  of  lamentation,  for  the  poor 
bird,  in  attempting  to  fly  towards  the  nest,  fell  into  the 
river  again,  and  there  was  drowned,  amidst  the  moan- 
ings  of  the  assembled  community. 

The  Rooks,  probably  by  sad  experience,  know  very 
well  how  to  distinguish  when  they  are  in  danger,  from 
the  approach  of  a  man,  and  when  he  can  do  them  no 
injury.  Hence  a  person  may  go  very  near  a  rookery 
empty  handed  ;  but  if  he  carries  a  gun,  the  whole 
community  instantly  take  the  alarm,  and  with  loud 
screams  warn  each  other  of  the  danger ;  the  whole 
flock,  at  the  same  time,  taking  wing  before  he  comes 
near  them. 


THE  SHRIKE. 

The  Shrikes  are  a  tribe  of  birds  which  live  both  on 
animal  and  vegetable  food.  They  have  hooked  bills, 
much  resembling  those  of  the  hawk,  and  claws  with 
which  they  are  enabled  to  seize  and  hold  small  birds, 
and  other  little  animals.  Considering  their  small  size 
they  are  a  courageous  and  daring  tribe,  and  most  of 

them  have  an  air  of  smartness  and  activity  in  their 
10* 


106  THE  SHRIKE. 

manners,  which  indicate  their  readiness  to  engage  in 
hazardous  undertakings.  The  species  of  this  tribe  are 
quite  numerous,  and  one  or  more  of  them  are  found  in 
almost  every  country;  but  the  description  of  a  single 
specimen  will  give  an  idea  of  the  manners  of  the  whole 
family. 

THE  GREAT  SHRIKE. 

[This  is  also  called  the  Butcher  Bird.] 
How  large  is  the  Great  Shrike  ? 

The  Great  Shrike  is  ten  inches  long  and  thirteen 
inches  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  the  bill  is  black  ;  the  upper  parts  are 
pale  ash-colour ;  the  throat  and  under  parts  are  dirty 
white  ;  the  quill-feathers  and  tail  are  black,  ending  in 
white ;  below  the  eyes  there  is  a  patch  of  black,  and 
the  legs  are  of  the  same  colour. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Great  Shrike  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  and  in  Europe. 

The  manners  and  habits  of  this  bird  are  in  some 
respects  quite  peculiar.  Whenever  he  takes  more 
food  than  he  immediately  wants,  he  carries  it  to  a 
thorn-bush,  or  the  sharp  twig  of  some  other  tree,  and 
there  hangs  it  up,  by  sticking  the  thorn  through  it. 
In  orchards  frequented  by  these  birds,  it  is  said  that  on 
almost  every  tree,  there  may  be  seen  grasshoppers, 
or  other  insects,  suspended  in  this  manner.  It  is  from 
his  hanging  up  his  provisions  in  this  way,  as  butchers 
do  their  meat,  that  he  is  called  Butcher  Bird. 

This  practice  has  been  thought  to  arise  from  a  de- 
sire to  call  other  birds  near  him,  that  he  might  seize 


THE  BLUE  JAY.  107 

them,  while  they  were  attempting  to  take  the  bait  thug 
fixed  in  their  sight.  But  the  same  habit  is  common  to 
this  bird  when  tamed,  and  seems  to  arise  rather  from 
the  shortness  of  his  claws,  and  consequent  difficulty  he 
has  of  holding  his  food,  while  he  tears  it  with  his  bill. 
Thus  if  he  kills  a  small  bird,  when  in  the  wild  state,  he 
takes  it  to  a  thorn,  on  which  he  hangs  it,  and  then  with 
his  hooked  bill,  pulls  off  the  flesh,  one  piece  after  an- 
other, until  the  whole  is  eaten.  When  tamed,  he  acts 
in  a  similar  manner  with  any  piece  of  flesh  that  is  given 
him,  spitting  it  on  a  sharpened  stick  or  nail,  which  is 
fixed  up  in  his  cage  for  that  purpose. 

This  habit  does  not  seem  to  arise  entirely  from  a 
wish  to  preserve  his  food  for  future  use,  for  in  many, 
and  perhaps,  in  most  cases,  the  grasshoppers,  which 
are  served  in  this  manner,  are  suffered  to  dry  and 
become  useless  in  the  sun,  the  bird  never  touching  them 
afterwards. 

In  like  manner  the  raven  and  crow  hide  their  pro- 
visions, and  other  articles  which  they  cannot  eat  in 
some  sly  place,  but  never  see  them  afterwards. 


THE  BLUE  JAY. 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Blue  Jay  ? 

The  Blue  Jay  is  one  foot  long,  and  a  foot  and  a  half 
in  extent. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour  is  chiefly  blue,  which  is  deep  on  the  back, 
and  tail,  but  grows  pale  along  the  sides  ;    the  throat, 


108  THE  BLUE  JAY. 

breast,  and  under  parts  are  white  ;  the  bill,  and  a  ring 
about  the  neck  are  black,  and  the  tail,  and  some  of 
the  wing  feathers  are  barred  with  the  same  colour. 
On  the  head  there  is  a  high  crest  of  purplish  blue  fea- 
thers, which  the  bird  can  raise,  or  depress  at  pleasure. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Blue  Jay  is  found  in  most  parts  of  North 
America,  from  Canada  to  Florida. 

What  is  the  food  of  this  bird  ? 

This  bird  lives  chiefly  on  chesnuts,  acorns,  ard  in- 
sects, but  sometimes  eats  such  flesh  as  he  can  find, 
and  in  times  of  scarcity,  kills  small  birds  for  his  own 
use.  He  is  also  very  fond  of  the  eggs  of  other  birds, 
which  he  steals  when  he  can  find  them. 

The  Blue  Jay  is  among  the  most  beautiful,  as  well 
as  active  and  noisy  birds  of  our  forests.  He  is  almost 
every  where  to  be  found,  and  go  when  you  will  among 
the  woods,  particularly  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  you 
may  be  sure,  that  he  will  force  himself  on  your  ac- 
quaintance. To  the  sportsman  this  bird  is  often 
the  most  troublesome  creature  imaginable,  scream- 
ing out  and  alarming  his  game,  just  at  the  mo- 
ment when  he  is  ready  to  fire  upon  it.  Many  a 
sportsman  has  been  placed  in  a  most  awkward  and 
provoking  condition  by  such  interference.  Perhaps 
he  has  been  half  a  mile  around,  and  waded  up  to  his 
knees  through  the  mud,  to  get  within  gun-shot  of  a 
flock  of  ducks  ;  and  just  at  the  moment  when  he 
thinks  to  accomplish  his  object,  he  happens  to  see  a 
Blue  Jay  sitting  still  and  quiet  over  his  head.  He 
then  knows  that  his  labour  is  lost,  for  the  bird  on  see- 
ing him  instantly  squalls  out,  and  away  goes  his  game. 


THE  BLUE  JAY.  109 

The  gunner  now  fires  at  the  Jay  in  revenge  for  such 
a  provocation,  but  generally  without  effect,  for  the 
cunning  bird  takes  care  not  to  give  the  alarm  until  he 
is  well  on  the  wing. 

This  bird  is  seldom  silent,  unless  he  has  some  secret, 
or  some  mischievous  object  in  view.  While  the  female 
is  sitting  on  her  nest,  the  male  visits  her  only  in  the 
most  secret  manner.  He  never,  on  these  occasions, 
makes  the  least  noise,  while  near  her,  probably  because 
he  is  afraid  the  nest  will  be  robbed,  in  the  same  man- 
ner that  he  has  many  a  time  robbed  those  of  other 
birds.  When  he  pays  a  plundering  visit  to  the  barn 
yard  or  corn  field,  he  is  also  silent  and  secret,  until  he 
happens  to  be  discovered,  when  he  screams  out  in 
triumph,  and  instantly  makes  his  escape. 

Mr.  Wilson  says  that  this  bird  is  not  only  bold  and 
vociferous,  but  possesses  a  considerable  talent  at 
mimicry,  and  seems  to  enjoy  great  satisfaction  in 
mocking  and  teasing  the  little  hawk,  imitating  his  cry 
whenever  he  sees  him,  and  squealing  out  as  if  caught. 
This  soon  brings  a  number  of  his  own  kind  about  him, 
who  all  join  in  the  frolic,  darting  at  the  hawk,  and  imi- 
tating the  cries  of  a  bird  sorely  wounded,  and  already 
in  the  clutches  of  the  devourer.  But  this  ludicrous 
farce  often  ends  in  the  destruction  of  one  of  the  actors ; 
for  the  hawk,  after  bearing  these  insults  for  a  time, 
singles  out  one  of  the  most  noisy  and  provoking,  and 
at  one  swoop  brings  him  to  the  ground.  The  cry  of 
distress,  instead  of  being  a  mockery,  now  becomes 
real,  all  the  Jays  at  the  same  time  changing  their  tone 
into  loud  screams,  to  give  notice  of  the  disaster.  The 
hawk,  mean  time,  being  sure  of  his  prey,  eats  it  at  his 
leisure. 


110  THE  CUCKOO. 

THE  CUCKOO. 

This  tribe  of  birds  have  long  bills,  which  are  a  little 
crooked  ;  their  toes  are  placed,  two  backwards,  and 
two  forward  ;  the  tail  consists  of  ten  feathers,  the  out- 
er ones  being  only  about  half  as  long  as  those  in  the 
middle.  They  feed  chiefly  on  insects. 

THE  COMMON  CUCKOO. 

How  large  is  the  Common  Cuckoo  ? 

The  Common  Cuckoo  is  fourteen  inches  long,  and 
two  feet  in  extent. 

»  What  is  tha  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour  along  the  back  is  light  brown  ;  the  breast 
and  under  parts,  are  white;  and  the  throat  is  pale 
grey.  The  plumage  of  the  young  is  brown,  mixed 
with  black. 

Where  is  this  bird  found? 

The  Common  Cuckoo  is  found  in  England,  andoth 
er  parts  of  Europe  ;  but  not  in  America. 

What  is  said  concerning  this  bird's  nest? 

It  is  said  that  this  Cuckoo  does  not  build  for  herself 
a  nest,  but  that  she  lays  her  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other 
birds. 

We  are  indebted  to  the  celebrated  Dr.  Jenner,  for 
the  substance  of  the  following  account  of  this  singular 
bird. 

He  states,  that  during  the  time  when  the  hedge  spar- 
row is  laying  her  eggs,  the  Cuckoo  goes  and  deposites 
hprs  among  the  others,  in  the  nest.  This  sparrow,  for 
some  reason  which  is  unknown,  has  a  habit,  while  she 
is  sitting,  of  throwing  some  of  her  eggs  out  of  the  nest, 
and  of  injuring  others  in  such  a  manner  that  only  two 


THE  CUCKOO.  Ill 

or  three  of  them  produce  young  birds.  But  it  is  very 
remarkable,  that  she  has  never  been  known  to  throw 
out,  or  injure  the  eggs  of  the  Cuckoo. 

When  the  sparrow  has  sat  her  usual  time,  and  has 
hatched  the  young  Cuckoos,  and  some  of  her  own  off- 
spring, it  has  been  found  that  the  young  sparrows,  to- 
gether with  any  unhatched  eggs  that  may  remain,  are 
thrown  out  of  the  nest,  thus  leaving  only  the  young 
Cuckoos  to  be  nurtured  by  the  old  sparrow.  The 
young  sparrows  are  not  killed,  nor  are  the  eggs  broken, 
but  both  are  left  to  perish,  entangled  in  the  bushes,  or 
lying  on  the  ground  under  them. 

From  observations,  afterwards  made  by  Dr.  Jenner, 
he  found  that  the  old  sparrow  was  not  herself  the 
means  of  turning  out  her  eggs,  and  her  young,  but  that 
this  was  done  by  the  young  Cuckoo.  He  states  that 
he  looked  into  a  sparrow's  nest  which  contained  two 
sparrow's  eggs,  and  one  Cuckoo's  egg.  Afterwards,  on 
going  to  the  nest,  he  found  that  it  contained  only  one 
young  sparrow  and  the  young  Cuckoo.  He  now 
watched  the  proceedings,  and  saw  the  young  Cuckoo 
in  the  act  of  throwing  out  the  little  sparrow.  The 
manner  of  doing  this  was  quite  curious,  and  displayed 
in  a  wonderful  degree  the  instinct  of  an  animal  only  a 
day  or  two  old. 

The  young  Cuckoo  contrived,  after  working  for  some 
time,  to  get  the  sparrow  on  its  back ;  then  holding  up 
its  wings  to  prevent  its  rolling  off  over  the  head,  it 
climbed  backwards,  up  the  side  of  the  nest  until  it 
reached  the  edge ;  where  resting  for  a  moment,  it 
threw  the  poor  little  outcast  quite  from  the  nest,  and  it 
fell  on  the  ground.  After  staying  tor  a  moment,  and 


112  THE  CUCKOO. 

feeling  about  with  its  wings,  to  be  certain  that  the 
work  was  properly  done,  the  young  tyrant  lay  quietly 
down  in  possession  of  the  whole  nest. 

Dr.  Jenner  afterwards  made  several  experiments  by 
putting  an  egg  at  a  time,  into  the  nest  with  this  young 
Cuckoo,  and  always  found,  that  like  the  little  sparrow, 
they  were  soon  thrown  on  the  ground. 

It  might  seem  improbable  from  the  round  shape  of 
a  young  bird's  back,  that  an  egg  could  be  made  to  lie 
there,  while  the  little  animal  crawled  up  the  side  of 
the  nest  and  cast  it  out.  But  our  author  says  that  na- 
ture seems  to  have  formed  this  bird  with  reference  to 
such  an  object,  for  the  back  is  shaped  differently  from 
that  of  other  young  birds,  being  wide  just  back  of  the 
wings,  and  having  a  hoft?^  place  there  in  which  the 
egg  can  be  safely  lodged. 

To  us,  the  reason  why  the  Cuckoo,  in  common  with 
other  birds,  does  not  build  a  nest  and  hatch  her  young, 
is  unknown.  Perhaps  it  may  be  owing  to  the  short 
time  which  she  stays  in  England,  where  Dr.  Jenner 
made  his  observations.  In  that  country,  this  bird  mi- 
grates, like  many  others,  with  the  seasons,  but  she 
comes  late  and  goes  away  early,  staying  only  a  short 
time.  The  American  Cuckoo  is  also  a  migratory  bird, 
but  her  stay  is  longer,  aad  she  lays  and  hatches  her 
young  like  other  birds. 

In  the  United  States  there  are  two  species  of  the 
Cuckoo,  both  of  which  differ  from  the  Common,  or 
English  one  already  described.  These  are  the  Yel- 
low-billed and  the  Black-billed  Cuckoo.  Both  these 
are  a  little  smaller  than  the  Common  one  of  Europe. 
The  yellow  billed  is  of  a  yellowish  brown  colour  on 


THE  WOODPECKER.  113 

the  back,  and  white  underneath  ;  the  lower  mandible 
being  yellow.  tThe  black  billed  Cuckoo  does  not  dif- 
fer materially  in  colour  or  size  from  this ;  but  both 
mandibles  are  black.  Both  these  birds  are  common 
in  this  country. 


THE  WOODPECKER. 

The  Woodpeckers  are  a  tribe  of  birds  which  differ 
in  their  manners  and  habits  from  all  others.  They  live 
chiefly  on  worms  and  other  insects,  which  they  obtain 
by  pecking  holes  in  decayed  trees.  Their  tongues  are 
long,  sharp,  bony  at  the  end,  and  barbed  ;  forming  an 
instrument,  by  means  of  which  they  draw  the  worms 
out  of  the  crevices  of  the  wood.  They  lay  their  eggs 
in  hollow  trees,  or  in  holes  which  they  make  for  them- 
selves. Their  toes  are  placed,  two  backwards,  and 
two  forward  ;  and  their  tails  consist  of  ten  sharp  point- 
ed feathers. 

IVORY-BILLED  WOODPECKER. 

How  large  is  the  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker? 

The  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker  is  twenty  inches  long 
and  two  feet  and  a  half  in  extent. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird? 

The  form  and  appearance  of  this  bird,  are  very  stri- 
king and  beautiful.  His  neck  is  elegantly  curved  ;  his 
head  is  crowned  with  a  noble  crest,  more  than  two 
inches  high ;  his  bill  is  smooth  and  white,  like  polished 

11 


1U  THE  WOODPECKER. 

ivory ;  his  eye  is  brilliant  and  daring,  and  his  whole  as- 
pect, noble  and  dignified. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  Woodpecker  ? 

His  colour  is  black,  with  a  white  stripe  begirining 
neap  the  eye  and  running  down  the  neck  and  along 
the  back  ;  the  upper  quill  feathers  are  also  white  ;  the 
forward  part  of  the  crest  is  black,  and  the  tyack  part,  of 
a  most  splendid  crimson. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

The  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker  inhabits  all  the  south- 
ern parts  of  North  America,  from  Virginia  to  Florida. 
He  resides  in  the  great  forests,  and  is  seen  only  on  the 
tallest  and  largest  trees. 

This  noble  bird  stands  at  the  head  of  the  tribe  to 
which  he  belongs.  By  his  size,  his  superb  crest,  and 
his  ivory  bill,  nature  seems  to  have  designed  him  as 
the  king  of  his  race.  In  his  manners  and  character, 
he  is  by  far  superior  to  the  common  kind  of  Wood- 
peckers, and  us  if  conscious  of  his  rank  and  dignity, 
he  never  associates  with  those  who  seek  their  food 
among  shrubbery,  and  along  fallen  trees.  He  seems 
to  scorn  such  lowly  situations,  and  is  to  be  found  only 
among  the  towering  trees  of  the  forest.  There  the 
strokes  of  his  bill,  like  those  of  the  wood  cutter,  may 
be  heard  for  miles,  resounding  through  the  solitary 
wilds  of  nature. 

At  such  places,  may  be  seen  enormous  pine  or  cy- 
press trees,  dead  and  dry  at  the  top,  with  cartloads  of 
bark  and  chips  at  the  root,  the  fruits  of  his  industry. — 
He  never  attacks  sound  or  growing  trees,  because  they 
yield  him  no  food  for  his  labour,  as  it  is  only  decayed 
ones  in  which  worms  and  insects  are  found. 

Hence,  although  endowed  with  strength  and  power 


THE  WOODPECKER.  115 

to  do  much  mischief,  by  destroying  the  forest  timber, 
he  never  does  the  least  injury. 

The  character  of  this  curious  bird  will  be  best  illus- 
trated by  Mr.  Wilson's  account  of  the  conduct  of  one 
which  he  wounded  and  took  alive. 

"The  first  place  I  qbserved  this  bird. at,"  says  he, 
"  when  on  my  journey  to  the  south,  was  about  twelve 
miles  from  Wilmington  in  North  Carolina.  There  I 
found  the  bird  from  which  the  drawing  of  the  figure 
in  the  plate  was  tpkenv  This  bird  was  only  wounded 
slightly  in  the  wing,  and  on  being  caught,  uttered  a 
loudly  reiterated,  and  most  piteous  note,  exactly  re- 
sembling the  violent  crying  of  a  young  child  ;  which 
so  terrified  my  horse,  as  nearly  to  have  cost  me  my 
life.  It  was  distressing  to  hear  it.  I  carried  it  with 
me  in  my  chaise  to  Wilmington.  In  passing  through 
the  streets,  its  affecting  cries  surprised  every  one  with- 
in hearing,  particularly  the  females,  who  hurried  to  the 
doors  and  windows  with  looks  of  alarm  and  anxiety. 
I  drove  on,  and  arriving  at  the  piazza  >of  the  hotel, 
where  I  intended  to  put  up,  the  landlord  came,  and  a 
number  of  .other  persons  who  happened  to  be  there, 
all  equally  alarmed  at  what  they  heard.  This  alarm 
was  greatly  increased,  by  my  asking  whether  he  could 
furnish  me  with  accommodations  for  myself  and  baby. 
The  man  looked  blank,  and  foolish,  while  the  others 
stared  with  great  astonishment." 

"  After  diverting  myself  for  a  minute  or  two  at  their 
expense,  I  drew  my  Woodpecker  from  under  the  cov- 
er, and  a  general  laugh  took  place.  1  took  him  up 
stairs,  and  locked  him  up  in  my  room,  while  I  went  to 
see  my  horse  taken  care  of.  In  less  than  an  hour  I 


116  THE  WOODPECKER. 

returned,  and  on  opening  the  door,  he  set  up  the  same 
distressing  shout,  which  now  appeared  to  proceed  from 
grief,  that  he  had  been-  discovered  in  his  attempts  to 
escape.  He  had  mounted  along  the  side  of  the  win- 
dow, nearly  as  high  as  the  ceiling,  a  little  below  which 
he  had  began  to  break  through.  The  bed  was  cov- 
ered with  large  pieces  of  plaster  ;  the  lath  was  expos- 
ed for  at  least  fifteen  inches  square,  arid  a  hole  large 
enough  to  admit  the  fist  opened  to  the  weather  boards  ; 
so  that  in  less  than  another  hour,  he  would  certainly 
have  succeeded  in  making  his  way  through. 

"  I  now  tied  a  string  around  his  leg,  and  fastening  it 
to  the  table,  again  left  him.  I  wished  to  preserve  his 
life,  and  had  gone  off  in  search  of  suitable  food  for 
him.  As  I  reascended  the  stairs,  I  heard  him  again 
hard  at  work,  and  on  entering,  had  the  mortification  to 
perceive  that  he  had  almost  entirely  ruined  the  ma- 
hogany table  to  which  he  was  fastened,  and  on  which 
he  had  wreaked  his  whole  vengeance. 

While  engaged  in  taking  the  drawing,  he  cut  me 
severely  in  several  places,  and  on  the  whole  displayed 
such  a  noble,  and  unconquerable  spirit,  that  I  was  fre- 
quently tempted  to  restore  him  to  his  native  woods." 

These  birds  lay  their  eggs  in  the  bodies  of  trees, 
generally  selecting  for  this  purpose  one  of  the  largest 
they  can  find.  The  pair  assist  each  other  in  the  work 
of  digging  out  a  large  cavity,  which  is  sometimes  four 
or  five  feet  deep,  and  at  the  bottom  of  which  it  is  scoop- 
ed out  in  form  of  a  dish,  to  contain  the  eggs  and  bird. 

The  common  note  of  the  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker^ 
resembles  the  sound  of  a  trumpet,  or  the  high  tone  of 
the  clarionet,  and  is  repeated  every  three  or  four  sec- 


THE  KING-FISHER.  117 

ends.  It  is  so  loud  as  to  be  heard  to  the  distance  of 
half  a  mile  or  more,  though  it  seems  to  be  within  a  few 
rods  of  the  hearer.  > 

The  more  we  study  the  works  of  creation,  as  pre- 
sented in  the  different  kinds  of  animals,  the  more  we 
shall  be  convinced  that  there  was  a  design  in  forming 
each  one  for  the  peculiar  mode  of  life  which  it  lives. 

If  we  particularly  examine  the  bird,  whose  history 
is  given  above,  we  shall  be  struck  with  the  fact,  that 
every  part  of  him  is  formed  exactly  for  the  kind  of  life 
which  he  leads.  His  bill  is  strong,  hard,  and  polished* 
so  as  to  enter  the  wood  with  the  greatest  ease  ;  his 
head  is  large  and  heavy,  answering  all  the  purposes  of 
a  hammer;  his  neck  is  longer  than  most  land  birds,  by 
which  the  greater  force  is  given  to  his  head  ;  his  claws 
are  sharp,  and  placed,  two  forward,  and  two  backward, 
in  the  best  position  for  grasping,  or  holding  on  to  the 
side  of  a  tree,  and  climbing ;  his  tongue  is  long,  hard, 
pointed,  and  barbed,  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  his 
food  from  the  cavities  of  the  wood,  and  his  eyes  are 
sharp  and  piercing,  and  so  placed  as  that  he  can  look 
directly  forward  to  the  point  of  his  bill,  and  see  the 
smallest  insect  under  the  bark  of  the  tree. 


THE  KItfG-FISHER. 

The  King-fisher  tribe  frequent  the  banks  of  rivers, 
and  the  shores  of  lakes  and  ponds.  They  live  on 
small  fish,  which,  diving  down,  they  catch  with  much 
dexterity.  Their  bills  are  sharp  at  the  end,  and  are 


11* 


118  THE  KING-FISHER. 

large  and  long.  They  do  not  seize  their  prey  with 
their  claws,  like  the  fish-hawk,  but  take  it  with  their 
bills.  There  are  several  species  of  this  tribe,  only  one 
of  which  is  found  in  this  country. 

THE  BELTED  KING-FISHER. 

How  large  is  the  Belted  King-fisher  ? 

The  Belted  King-fisher  is  about  one  foot  long,  and 
twehty  inches  in  extent,  when  the  wings  are  spread. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

In  shape  it  is  short  and  thick  ;  the  head  is  large  and 
crested  ;  the  legs  short  and  small ;  and  the  bill  re- 
markably long,  thick,  and  sharp. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  prevailing  colour  is  light  blue  ;  around  the  neck, 
there  is  a  belt  of  white,  from  which  the  bird  takes  its 
name  ;  the  breast  is  red,  mixed  with  blue  ;  the  under 
parts  are  white,  with  a  spot  of  red  just  before  the  legs  ; 
the  bill  is  black,  with  a  wrhite  spot  near  the  root  of  the 
lower  mandible. 

Where  does  the  Belted  King-fisher  live  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States 
where  there  are  rivers,  seas,  or  lakes. 

In  what  situation  does  the  King-fisher  make  its  nest? 

The  King-fisher  makes  its  nest  in  the  ground.  The 
female  finds  a  sandy  place  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  or 
lake,  and  there  digs  a  hole  with  her  bill  and  claws, 
three  or  four  feet  into  the  bank.  Into  this  hole  she 
carries  some  grass,  and  on  it  lays  her  eggs,  and 
hatches  her  young. 

The  King-fisher  is  among  the  most  beautiful  of  our 
birds.  He  may  be  seen  on  almost  any  summers'  day, 
sitting  on  some  dry  tree  or  post  near  the  water's  edge, 


RAPACIOUS  BIRDS.  119 

glancing  his  quick  and  piercing  eye  in  every  direction, 
in  search  of  the  little  fish  that  swim  near  the  surface. 
When  he  sees  one  that  suits  him,  he  darts  down, 
catches,  and  swallows  it  in  an  instant,  and  then  flies 
back,  and  quietly  takes  his  station  again.  He  loves  to 
visit  brawling  brooks^  and  such  little  cascades  as  are 
made  by  mill  dams,  and  when  he  has  no  luck  in  fish- 
ing at  one  station,  he  flies  swiftly  to  another.  Some- 
times in  his  flight,  he  stops,  and  balancing  himself  by  a 
rapid  motion  of  the  wings,  he  dives,  and,  having  caught 
and  swallowed  a  little  fish,  away  he  goes  again. 


RAPACIOUS  BIRDS. 


The  RAPACIOUS  BIRDS  live  entirely  on  flesh,  which 
some  of  them  kill  for  themselves,  while  others  eat  only 
such  as  they  find  already  dead.  They  are  all  furnished 
with  sharp  talons,  or  claws,  with  which  they  seize 
their  prey,  and  with  hooked  bills  to  tear  the  flesh. 
These  birds  associate  in  pairs,  but  never  unite  in  flocks. 
In  this  tribe  the  female  is  larger  and  stronger  than  the 
male.  To  this  order  belong  the  Condor,  the  Vultures, 
the  Eagles,  the  Falcons,  and  the  Owls. 


120  THE  CONDOR. 

THE  COSTDOR. 

There  is  fortunately  but  one  species  of  this  terrible 
bird,  and  although  it  is  of  the  Vulture  kind,  it  differs 
so  much  in  size,  and  habits,  from  the  rest  of  the  spe- 
cies, as  generally  to  be  described  by  itself. 

What  kind  of  bird  is  the  Condor  ? 

The  Condor  is  a  bird  of  the  Vulture  kind,  and  is 
much  the  largest  and  most  powerful  of  that  voracious 
and  disgusting  tribe. 

How  large- is  this  bird  ? 

The  length  of  the  Condor  is  about  five  feet,  and  his 
extent,  with  the  wings  spread,  from  twelve  to  sixteen 
feet. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  his  back  and  wings  is  black,  and  the 
breast  and  neck  are  dark  brown. 

Are  the  head  and  neck  of  this  bird  covered  with  feathers,  or 
naked  ? 

The  head  and  upper  part  of  the  neck  are  naked,  or 
only  covered  with  down  ;  but  the  lower  part  of  the 
neck  is  surrounded  with  thick  feathers,  resembling 
hair. 

In  what  country  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Condor  is  found  only  in  South  America. 

Where  does  the  female  build  her  nest  ? 

The  female  builds  her  nest  in  the  highest  mountains, 
where  men  can  approach,  only  with  the  greatest  diffi- 
culty and  danger.  She  raises  but  two  young  birds  in 
each  year. 

Does  this  bird  appear  ferocious  or  innocent  ? 

The  Condor,  in  appearance,  is  one  of  the  most  ter- 
rible of  all  birds.  His  great  size,  his  hooked  bill,  his 


THE  CONDOR.  121 

naked  head,  his  tremendous  claws,  and  the  great  comb 
which  grows  on  his  head,  all  together,  make  him  a  most 
frightful  looking  animal. 

How  many  toes  has  the  Condor  £ 

This  bird  has  four  toes  on  each  foot,  three  of  them 
standing  forward  and  one  backward.  They  are  armed 
with  long,  black,  sharp  claws,  with  which  he  can  make 
the  most  dreadful  wounds. 

The  Condor  is  not  less  ferocious  in  his  manners, 
than  he  appears  to  be  by  his  looks.  He  destroys  with- 
out distinction  any  living  creature  that  he  can  master, 
and  his  wings  are  so  large  and  his  strength  so  great, 
that  it  is  said  he  can  carry  off  a  sheep,  or  calf  without 
difficulty.  Even  men  are  afraid  of  his  approach,  and 
shun  him  as  they  would  a  wolf  or  tiger. 

A  writer  who  travelled  in  South  America,  states  that 
he  one  day  saw  a  Condor  seated  on  a  high  rock,  and 
having  approached  within  gun-shot,  he  fired  at  him  ; 
but  his  gun  being  only  loaded  with  shot,  the  bird  was 
not  brought  to  the  ground,  but  flew  to  another  place. 
The  traveller  then  loaded  his  gun  with  a  bullet,  and 
fired  at  him  again,  when  he  fell  to  the  ground  mortally 
wounded.  On  going  to  him,  the  gentleman  found  that 
he  was  ready  to  defend  himself  in  the  most  ferocious 
and  formidable  manner,  and  was  obliged  to  call  the 
help  of  another  man,  before  he  could  conquer  so  ter- 
rible an  animal. 

The  wings  of  this  bird,  says  the  traveller,  were 
twelve  feet,  three  inches,  from  one  tip  to  the  other. 
The  quills  were  of  a  beautiful  shining  black,  and  two 
feet  four  inches  long.  The  bill  was  four  inches  long, 
and  of  proportionate  thickness  ;  its  colour  was  black. 


122  THE  CONDOR. 

except  towards  the  end,  where  it  was  white.  The 
head  and  neck  were  covered  with  a  short  down  of  a 
brown  colour,  and  the  eyes  were  black,  surrounded 
with  a  circle  of  reddish  broWn.  The  feathers  of  the 
breast,  neck,  head  and  wings  were  of  a  brown  colotir; 
those  on  the  back  were  darker.  The  legs  were  cov- 
ered with  brown  feathers  to  the  knee.  The  thigh- 
bones were  ten  inches  long,  and  those  of  the  legs  five 
inches  long. 

In  the  deserts  of  Pachomac,  in  South  America,  says 
Dr.  Goldsmith,  where  this  bird  is  chiefly  to  be  seen, 
men  seldom  venture  to  travel.  Those  wild  regions 
are  sufficient  of  themselves  to  inspire  a  secret  horror  ; 
broken  precipices,  prowling  panthers — forests  only 
vocal  with  the  hissing  of  serpents— and  mountains 
rendered  still  more  terrible  by  the  Condor,  the  only 
bird  that  ventures  to  make  its  residence  in  those  deso- 
lated regions. 

Surely,  in  the  history  of  this  terrible  bird,  we  can 
see  the  kind  provision  of  a  merciful  Creator  towards 
man.  It  produces  only  two  young  in  a  year,  while 
some  birds  which  are  harmless  arid  useful,  produce 
thirty  or  forty  young  in  the  same  time.  The  Condor 
lives  only  in  a  certain  part  of  South  America,  while 
the  birds  that  are  most  beneficial  to  man  inhabit  near- 
ly every  part  of  the  earth.,  Now  since  all  the  birds 
were  made  by  the  same  hand,  it  is  certain  that  there 
was  a  design  in  permitting  the  most  useful  and  harm*- 
less  to  increase  in  abundance,  while  those  that  are  de- 
structive and  ferocious,  are  always  few  in  number, 
and  generally  confined  to  certain  parts  of  the  earth. 
Were  the  Condors  as  numerous  as  the  pigeons,  or  the 


THE  VULTURE.  123 

swallows,  the  earth  would  scarcely  afford  animals  suf- 
ficient for  their  food,  and  even  man  himself  would  not 
be  able  to  make  good  his  defence  against  so  strong 
and  fierce  a  bird. 


THE  VULTURE. 

The  Vultures  differ  from  the  other  rapacious  birds 
in  wanting  feathers  on  the  head,  and  upper  part  of  the 
neck.  They  also  differ  from  them,  in  choosing  to  de- 
vour such  animals  as  they  find  already  dead,  rather 
than  to  kill  them  for  their  own  use.  There  are  several 
species  of  this  bird,  but  they  all  agree  in  their  habits 
and  manners,  being  equally  voracious,  and  unclean. 
The  description  of  one  will  therefore  give  a  good  idea 
of  all. 

THE  GOLDEN  VULTURE. 

How  large  is  the  Golden  Vulture  ? 

The  Golden  Vulture  is  four  feet  and  a  half  long, 
and  with  the  wings  spread,  about  nine  feet  in  extent. 
The  length  of  the  upper  mandible  is  about  seven  inch- 
es, and  the  weight  of  the  bird  is  about  twelve  pounds. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour  about  the  breast  and  lower  part  of  the 
neck  is  dull  red  ;  it  is  black  on '  the  back,  and  the 
wings  and  tail  are  yellowish  brown. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  Egypt,  Arabia  and  the  south- 
ern parts  of  America. 


124  THE  VULTURE. 

Of  what  use  to  man  is  the  Vulture  ? 

The  Vulture,  although  a  most  unclean,  and  voracious 
bird,  is  still,  in  the  hot  countries  where  it  lives,  a  very 
useful  inhabitant.  It  carries  away,  and  devours,  the 
carcases  of  dead  animals,  which  would  otherwise  make 
the  air  unpleasant  and  sickly.  Of  all  animals,  this  can 
smell  its  prey  at  the  greatest  distance. 

The  Vulture  seems  to  hold  the  same  rank  among 
birds  that  the  hyena  does  among  quadrupeds.  In 
Egypt,  and  other  eastern  countries,  great  flocks  of 
them  are  at  all  times  seen  about  every  city,  where 
they  are  of  the  greatest  benefit  to  the  inhabitants,  by 
carrying  away  all  sorts  of  putrid  animal  matters.  So 
useful  are  they,  on  this  account,  that  no  person  is 
allowed  to  kill,  or  disturb  them,  under  the  penalty  of 
a  fine  ;  and  in  consequence  they  become  quite  tame, 
and  gentle,  hardly  moving  out  of  the  way  of  persons 
who  walk  the  streets. 

At  New  Orleans,  and  other  southern  cities,  these 
birds  are  seen  about  the  streets,  in  the  same  manner 
as  in  Egypt,  and  there,  also,  no  person  is  allowed  to 
injure,  or  disturb  them.  They  are  protected  and 
valued  fbr  the  good  they  do  in  cleaning  the  streets. 

At  Brazil,  and  other  parts  of  South  America,  it  is 
pleasant  to  witness  the  art  which  these  birds  display 
in  destroying  the  eggs  of  the  crocodile.  In  that  coun- 
try the  crocodile  is  one  of  the  most  terrible  of  all  ani- 
mals. He  grows  to  the  enormous  length  of  twenty- 
five,  or  even  thirty  feet,  and  is  so  ferocious  as  to  attack 
and  destroy  any  land  animal  that  comes  within  his 
reach.  It  is  therefore  a  very  happy  circumstance, 
and  one  in  which  the  hand  of  an  over-ruling  Providence 


THE  VULTURE.  125 

is  clearly  apparent,  that  the  Vulture  should  be  the 
means  of  preventing  the  great  increase  of  so  terrible 
an  animal. 

These  ferocious  monsters,  were  it  not  for  the  Vul- 
tures, would  in  a  short  time  become  so  numerous,  as 
to  make  it  dangerous,  or  even  impossible,  for  men  to 
inhabit  the  country,  for  the  females  lay  from  one  to 
two  hundred  eggs  each,  every  year. 

The  Crocodiles  take  care  to  place  their  eggs  in  situ- 
ations so  secret,  that  other  animals  do  not  often  find 
them,  and  having  covered  them  with  sand,  they  are 
left  to  be  hatched  by  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  Vul- 
tures seem  to  understand  all  this,  and  during  the  sea- 
son of  the  year  when  these  monstrous  animals  cor^e 
out  of  the  water  to  deposite  their  eggs,  these  birds  are 
seen  perched  on  some  tall  tree,  waiting  the  event  of 
such  a  visit.  When  one  comes  on  the  land,  they  psc- 
tiently  and  silently  watch  the  place  to  which  she  goes, 
and  keep  still  until  the  huge  beast  has  laid  and  covered 
her  eggs  with  the  sand,  and  returned  to  the  water. 
Then,  encouraging  each  other  with  loud  cries,  they  all 
together,  pour  down  upon  the  nest,  hook  up  the  sand 
with  their  crooked  bills,  and  in  a  few  minutes  devour 
every  egg  the  crocodile  has  left. 

Nothing  can  be  more  filthy  and  offensive  than  these 
birds.  The  food  which  they  prefer,  is  to  all  animals, 
except  the  hyena,  the  most  disagreeable  of  objects. 
But  notwithstanding  this  disgusting  appetite,  which 
renders  them  so  hateful  in  the  sight  of  men,  the  All- 
wise  Creator  has  designed  them  to  answer  a  valuable 
purpose  in  the  world.  The  cleaning  of  the  streets  of 
cities  in  hot  climates,  and  the  destruction  of  the  cro- 
12 


126  THE  VULTURE. 

codlles'  eggs,  are  benefits  of  the  greatest  consequence 
to  those  who  inhabit  such  climates. 

A  knowledge  of  these  benefits,  in  an  animal  so  ob- 
noxious in  appearance  and  habits,  ought  to  teach  us  to 
be  very  careful  how  we  pronounce  any  of  the  works 
of  creation  to  be  useless,  because  we  do  not  see  the 
design  for  which  they  were  intended.  For  we  may 
be  assured,  that  it  is  only  our  own  ignorance,  and 
want  of  reflection,  that  prevent  us  from  perceiving  that 
the  Creator  has  made  nothing  except  what  is  useful, 
in  one  way  or  another. 

The  Vulture  is  mentioned  in  Scripture  as  an  unclean 
bird,  and  one  that  is  forbidden  for  food.  It  is  also 
mentioned  in  Job,  Chapter  38,  verse  7.  "  There  is  a 
path  which  no  fowl  knoweth,  and  which  the  Vulture's 
eye  hath  not  seen." 

This  passage,  says  Miss  Hewlet,  alludes  to  the  art 
and  diligence  of  men  in  digging  subterraneous  ways 
through  caverns  and  mines,  in  order  to  acquire  the 
riches  that  are  hid  in  the  bosom  of  the  earth.  But 
though  man  is  endowed  writh  wisdom  far  beyond  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  and  the  fowls  of  heaven,  man  has 
never,  by  his  own  unaided  efforts,  found  the  way  to 
God  and  happiness,  but  is  groping  in  the  dark,  and 
spending  his  strength  upon  that  which  can  neither 
satisfy  nor  endure.  It  is  not  until  a  light  from  heaven 
reveals  the  path  of  life,  and  divine  grace  enables  him 
to  discern  and  pursue  it,  that  man  can  attain  the  "  fear 
of  the  Lord,  which  is  true  wisdom." 


THE  EAGLE.  1*7 

THE  EAGLJE. 

This  tribe  of  birds  are  not  less  rapacious  than  those 
of  the  vulture  kind.  The  Eagles  may  readily  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  vultures  by  having  their  heads  and 
necks  fully  clothed  with  feathers,  while  these  parts  of 
the  vulture  kind  are  naked.  The  claws  and  bills  of 
the  Eagles  are  sharper  and  more  hooked  than  those  of 
the  vultures.  The  Eagles  also  differ  from  the  vultures 
in  their  habit  of  killing  their  prey  for  themselves,  while 
the  vultures  generally  eat  only  such  as  they  find  al- 
ready dead. 

Eagles  never  associate  in  flocks,  and  are  so  solitary 
in  their  habits,  that  more  than  two  of  them  are  rarely 
seen  together.  They  are  extremely  quick-sighted,  and 
can  see  objects  at  an  amazing  distance.  They  often 
fly  at  such  a  height  in  the  air,  as  to  be  entirely  out  of 
the  sight  of  man  ;  and  even  from  such  a  distance,  they 
can  discern  their  prey  on  the  earth,  when  they  dart 
down  upon  it  with  the  swiftness  of  an  arrow.  Their 
strength  is  so  great,  that  they  have  been  known  to 
carry  away  animals  nearly  as  heavy  as  themselves,  to 
the  distance  of  forty  miles.  Most  of  them  build  their 
nests  in  the  highest  and  most  difficult  places  in  the 
mountains.  The  females  of  this  tribe  are  always  lar- 
ger and  stronger  than  the  males.  There  are  many 
species  of  this  bird,  but  their  habits  and  manners  are 
similar,  the  chief  difference  being  in  their  size  and 
colour. 


THE  EAGLE. 
THE  GOLDEN  EAGLE. 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Golden  Eagle  ? 

The  Golden  Eagle  is  the  largest  and  noblest  of  the 
Eagle  tribe.  His  length  is  three  feet  and  a  half,  and 
with  his  wings  spread,  he  extends  ten  feet.  His  bill  is 
four  inches  long,  and  he  weighs  twelve  or  fourteen 
pounds. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  his  head  and  neck  is  deep  brown ; 
along  the  breast  it  is  yellowish  brown,  and  on  the  back, 
it  is  a  darker  shade  of  the  same  colour.  The  bill  is 
deep  blue,  and  the  legs  yellow. 

What  can  be  said  of  the  feet  and  legs  of  this  bird  ? 

The  legs  of  this  Eagle  are  covered  with  feathers  to 
the  toes,  and  are  very  large  and  strong.  The  toes  are 
covered  with  scales,  and  armed  with  the  most  terrible 
claws,  the  middle  one  being  two  inches  long. 

Where  does  the  Golden  Eagle  live? 

This  king  of  birds  is  found  in  almost  every  country, 
but  never  in  any  considerable  numbers  at  the  same 
place. 

How  long  does  the  Eagle  live  ? 

It  is  said  that  the  Eagle  lives  to  the  age  of  an  hund- 
red years,  and  that  he  then  does  not  die  of  old  age,  but 
in  consequence  of  the  growing  of  his  bill  inward,  so 
that  he  cannot  eat.  An  Eagle  died  at  Vienna,  that 
was  known  to  have  been  in  confinement  upwards  of  a 
hundred  years. 

The  Eagle,  among  birds,  is  what  the  lion  is  among 
quadrupeds.  His  strength  and  swiftness  give  him  the 
mastery  over  nearly  all  the  feathered  creation.  Like 
the  lion,  the  Eagle  is  said  to  be  generous,  and  some- 


THE  EAGLE.  129 

times  so  merciful  as  not  to  attack  small  and  weak  ani- 
mals, when  he  .can  find  those  that  are  larger  and 
stronger.  It  is  not  until  he  has  long  suffered  the  in* 
suiting  cries  of  the  rook  and  magpie,  that  this  noble 
bird  thinks  fit  to  punish  them  for  their  folly.  Like  the 
lion,  the  Eagle  disdains  to  share  his  plunder  with  any 
other  animal ;  and,  unless  pressed  with  hunger,  wrill 
not  eat  any  thing  which  he  has  not  killed  himself.  Like 
him,  also,  the  Eagle  is  solitary,  always  driving  away 
all  other  rapacious  birds,  and  keeping  the  desert  where 
he  lives  to  himself.  It  is  as  uncommon  to  see  two 
pairs  of  Eagles  in  the  same  mountain,  as  it  is  to  see  two 
lions  in  the  same  desert.  The  lion  and  the  Eagle  have 
both  fierce,  sparkling  eyes  ;  their  claws  are  of  the 
same  form,  and  the  cry  of  both  is  equally  terrible  to 
the  beasts  of  the  forest  and  the  fowls  of  the  air. 

The  Eagle  is  tamed  with  great  difficulty  ;  and  even 
when  taken  young  and  treated  writh  kindness,  will 
sometimes  turn  upon  his  master,  and  wound  him  in  a 
terrible  manner. 

Of  all  birds,  the  Eagle  flies  the  highest,  and  can  see 
to  the  greatest  distance;  but  his  sense  of  smelling  is 
not  so  good  as  that  of  the  Vulture.  He  is  so  strong, 
as  to  fly  away  with  lambs,  kids,  ..geese,  and  sometimes 
even  with  children.  In  Scotland,  a  child  happening 
to  be  at  play  out  of  doors,  an  Eagle  flew  down,  took 
it  up,  and  carried  it  to  his  nest.  But  fortunately,  the 
poor  infant  received  no  injury  on  the  journey,  and  the 
affrighted  parents  pursuing  after  the  robber,  went  to 
the  nest  in  time  to  take  it  away,  before  it  was  in  the 
least  hurt. 

The  Eagle  is  at  all  times  powerful  and  ferocious,  but 
12* 


130  THE  EAGLE. 

is  particularly  so  at  the  time  when  he  is  bringing  up 
his  young.  At  this  time  the  pair  make  use  of  all  their 
courage,  strength,  and  fierceness,  in  order  to  provide 
meat  for  their  brood. 

The  quantity  of  provision  which  these  birds  carry 
to  their  young,  is  sometimes  sufficient  to  maintain  a 
family.  Mr.  Smith,  in  his  history  of  Kerry,  a  county 
in  Ireland,  relates  that  during  a  season  of  famine,  a  poor 
man  obtained  nourishment  for  himself  and  children  by 
robbing  a  pair  of  young  eagles  of  the  food  which  was 
brought  them  by  their  parents.  When  the  young 
birds  became  large  enough  to  fly,  the  poor  man  clip- 
ped their  wings,  so  as  to  keep  them  in  the  nest,  and 
thus  make  the  old  ones  continue  to  bring  them  food. 
In  this  manner  was  this  poor  family  supported,  with 
kids,  lambs,  geese,  and  hens,  during  the  summer. 

It  was  fortunate  for  this  man,  that  the  Eagles  never 
caught  him  at  their  nest,  for  had  this  been  the  case, 
his  life  would  have  been  in  danger  from  their  fury,  as 
may  be  seen  by  the  following  story. 

A  man  in  the  county  of  Kerry  determined  to  rob  an 
Eagle's  nest,  which  was  on  an  island,  of  its  young. 
He  accordingly  swam  to  the  island,  at  a  time  when  he 
saw  that  the  old  birds  were  away,  and  having  secured 
the  young  ones,  was  returning  to  the  land,  having 
waded  into  the  water  nearly  up  to  his  neck.  At  this 
moment  the  old  Eagles  returned,  and  finding  that  their 
young  were  not  in  the  nest,  but  in  the  hands  of  the 
man,  they  fell  upon  him  with  such  tremendous  fury, 
as  to  kill  him  in  the  water. 

The  nest  of  the  Eagle  is  commonly  built  among 
mountains,  and  in  places  where  it  is  most  difficult  for 


THE  EAOLE.  131 

men  to  ascend.  It  is  constructed  with  much  labour, 
being  about  six  feet  across,  and  containing  more  than 
a  cart-load  of  dry  sticks,  and  the  roots  of  trees.  These 
birds,  it  is  said,  never  build  but  one  nest,  but  continue 
to  occupy  the  same,  repairing  it  from  year  to  year,  as 
long  as  they  live.  The  nest  is  not  hollow,  like  those 
of  other  birds,  but  flat  on  the  top.  The  eggs  are  only 
two  in  number,  and  it  is  often  the  case,  that  only  one 
of  these  is  hatched. 

The  Eagle  is  often  alluded  to  in  the  Scriptures,  and 
sometimes  in  a  very  interesting  and  striking  manner. 

The  59th  chapter  of  Job  contains  a  description  of 
the  habits  of  this  bird,  which  is  wonderfully  true  and 
sublime.  "  Doth  the  Eagle,"  says  Jehovah  to  Job, 
"  mount  up  at  thy  command,  and  make  her  nest  on 
high  ?  She  dwelleth  and  abideth  on  the  rock,  upon 
the  crag  of  the  rock,  and  the  strong  place.  From 
thence  she  seeketh  the  prey,  and  her  eyes  behold  afar 
off;  her  young  ones  also  suck  up  blood,  and  where 
the  slain  are,  there  is  she." 

In  this  striking  description,  says  Miss  Hewlet,  are 
displayed  both  the  wisdom  and  greatness  of  the  Crea 
tor,  and  the  insignificance  and  impotence  of  man. 
Man  cannot  control  the  movements  of  the  Eagle,  nor 
direct  his  flight ;  nor  did  he  derive  from  man  his  de- 
sire, or  strength  to  soar  among  the  clouds,  nor  his 
choice  of  the  inaccessible  precipice  for  his  abode. 
His  vigorous  frame,  his  daring  temper,  and  all  his  in- 
stincts, are  the  contrivance  and  the  work  of  God. 
The  design  of  the  Creator  in  "directing  the  Eagle 
thus  to  build  is  obvious.  On  the  browT  of  the  preci- 
pice, this  king  of  the  feathered  race,  and  this  terror  of 


132  THE  EAGLE. 

the  smaller  quadrupeds,  dwells  in  solitary  security, 
and  rears  his  young  almost  beyond  the  reach  of  danger. 

The  great  height  to  which  the  Eagle  flies,  and  the 
lofty  places  in  which  she  builds  her  nest,  are  figurative 
of  the  proud  and  lofty  manner  in  which  sinners  some- 
times lift  themselves  up,  when  they  seem  to  think  that 
they  are  above  the  reach  of  calamity  or  misfortune. 
But  though  they  exalt  themselves  as  high  as  the 
Eagle's  flight,  and  hide  themselves  in  places  as  secure 
as  her  nest,  yet,  if  they  provoke  the  righteous  indigna- 
tion of  God,  he  will  assuredly  bring  them  down,  and 
in  his  own  time  level  them  with  the  dust  of  the  earth. 

The  swiftness  of  this  b  ird  through  the  air,  is  allu- 
ded to,  in  the  book  of  Job,  as  a  figure  of  the  rapid 
flight  of  time.  "  My  days  are  passed  away  as  the 
swift  ships,  as  the  Eagle  that  hasteth  to  his  prey." 
Job,  chapter  9th,  verse  26. 

In  another  place  the  flight  of  this  bird  is  mentioned 
as  an  emblem  of  the  uncertainty  of  wordly  possessions. 
"  Riches  certainly  make  to  themselves  wings,  they  fly 
away  as  an  Eagle  towards  heaven."  Proverbs,  chap. 
23,  verse  5.  This  may  remind  worldly  men,  that  after 
all  their  pains  to  lay  up  money,  there  is  no  certainty^ 
that  even  in  this  world,  their  ill-gotten  wealth  will  be 
of  any  permanent  advantage  to  them,  for  their  riches 
may  all  at  once  fly  away  and  leave  them  in  poverty. 
A  good  lesson  to  the  expectations  of  mortal  creatures^ 
and  a  warning,  that  if  they  would  possess  durable  rich- 
es, they  must  lay  up  their  treasures  in  heaven. 

The  strength  and  wide  spreading  wings  of  this  bird 
are  alluded  to  in  the  Scriptures,  in  comparison  with 
the  care,  which  the  Lord  took  of  his  chosen  people. 


THE  FISH-HAWK.  133 

"  Ye  have  seen  what  I  did  unto  Egypt,  and  how  I  bare 
you  on  Eagles'  wings,  and  brought  you  unto  myself." 
Exodus,  chap.  19,  verse  4.  Again,  in  another  passage? 
it  is  written,  "As  the  Eagle  stirreth  up  her  nest,  flut- 
tereth  over  her  young,  spreadeth  abroad  her  wings, 
taketh  them,  beareth  them  on  her  wings  ;  so  the  Lord 
alone  did  lead  him,  and  there  was  no  strange  god 
with  him."  Deuteronomy,  chap.  32,  verse  11. 

These  passages  both  refer  to  the  manner  in  which 
the  Lord  supported  the  children  of  Israel,  and  led 
them  out  of  their  bondage  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

One  reflection,  in  the  language  of  Miss  Hewlet,  shall 
close  what  we  have  to  say  concerning  the  Eagle. 
"  The  Christian,  like  the  Eagle,  should  soar  in  the 
daily  exercise  of  his  faith,  and  contemplation,  to  the 
glorious  realities  of  an  invisible  world  ;  he  ought  to 
have  no  communion  with  the  earth,  nor  be  dragged 
down  to  inferior  objects,  nor  grovel  in  the  dust ;  but 
always  mount  upwards,  and  gaze  with  Eagles'  eyes  on 
the  Sun  of  Righteousness." 


THE  FISH-HAWK. 

[  This  bird  is  also  called  the  Fishing  Eagle.] 
How  large  is  the  Fish  Hawk  ? 

The  Fish  Hawk  is  two  feet  long,  and  five  feet  and 
a  half  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

His  colour,  on  the  head,  is  brown,  spotted  with 
white  ;  the  back,  tail,  and  wings  are  dark  brown,  and 
the  throat,  breast,  and  under  parts,  are  white. 


*34  THE  FISH-HAWK. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

The  Fish  Hawk  is  found  in  Europe  and  in  America* 
He  resides  chiefly  on  the  sea  coasts,  and  about  large 
rivers  and  lakes. 

What  is  the  food  of  this  bird  ? 

His  food  consists  entirely  of  fish,  which  he  catches 
by  diving  into  the  water. 

Wrhere  does  this  bird  build  its  nest? 

The  nest  of  this  bird  is  built  on  the  top  of  some 
dead  or  decaying  tree,  and  is  so  large  as  to  be  seen  at 
a  great  distance. 

The  Fish  Hawk  migrates  to  the  south  on  the  ap-  j 
proach  of  winter,  and  returns  to  our  coasts  again  in 
the  spring.     His  appearance  in  the  spring  is  hailed  by 
the  fishermen  as  indicating  the  arrival  of  the  herring, 
shad,  and  other  fish. 

The  habits  of  this  bird  are  harmless  and  sociable. 
He  often  builds  within  a  short  distance  of  houses,  and 
is  protected  and  valued  by  the  farmers,  on  account  of 
the  good  he  does  in  driving  the  crows  and  black-birds 
out  of  the  neighbourhood. 

During  the  time  when  the  female  is  sitting  on  her 
eggs,  the  male  is  very  attentive  to  her,  and  often  sup- 
plies her  with  fish.  In  an  instance  where  the  female 
had  lost  one  of  her  feet,  so  that  she  could  not  well  fish 
for  herself,  the  male  constantly  supplied  her  with  pro- 
vision, so  that  she  never  left  her  nest  to  seek  food  for 
herself.  For  several  seasons,  this  kindness  was  ob- 
served by  the  people  who  lived  near  the  nest. 

They  watch  their  young  with  much  tenderness,  one 
of  the  pair  staying  about  the  nest,  and  keeping  guard 
over  them,  while  the  other  goes  out  to  bring  them  a 
supply  of  provisions.  On  the  approach  of  any  person 


THE  FISH-HAWK.  135 

at  this  time,  the  old  birds  seem  in  much  distress,  and 
litter  a  plaintive  cry,  at  the  same  time  taking  wing, 
and  sailing  around  the  nest.  Sometimes,  also,  they 
dive  down,  as  though  to  attack  the  person,  but  usually 
mount  up  again  without  coming  very  near  him.  In 
some  instances,  however,  they  have,  been  known  to 
attack  persons  who  have  climbed  up  to  their  nest,  and 
to  wound  them  in  a  terrible  manner. 

The  actions  of  this  bird  during  a  fishing  excursion, 
and  the  manner  in  which  he  seizes  his  prey,  are  quite 
interesting.  When  he  leaves  his  nest  on  such  an  oc- 
casion, he  goes  directly  to  the  fishing  ground,  flying  in 
a  straight  line,  and' not  very  high  in  the  air.  Having 
come  to  the  water,  he  rises  two  hundred  feet  or  more 
into  the  air,  and  sails  elegantly  and  slowly  along, 
eyeing  the  face  of  the  deep,  in  search  of  his  game. 
Suddenly  he  stops,  to  survey  more  particularly  any 
fish  that  he  happens  to  see,  but  generally  glides  along 
again  in  a  moment  or  two.  Again .  he  stops,  and  bal- 
ancing himself  by  flapping  his  wings,  looks  intently 
into  the  water,  now  and  then  rising  or  sinking  a  little, 
as  if  to  obtain  a  better  view  of  his  object.  Having 
taken  his  aim,  he  now  descends  from  his  great  height, 
with  the  swiftness  of  a  leaden  bullet,  and  plunging  into 
the  water  with  a  loud  rustling  sound,  buries  himself 
for  a  moment  under  its  surface.  He  then  rises,  with 
his  struggling  prey  hanging  on  his  claws,  and  when  a 
few  feet  high,  stops  and  flutters  to  shake  the  water 
from  him,  which  flies  in  the  form  of  spray  in  every 
direction,  Having  thus  prepared  himself  for  his 
flight,  he  shapes  his  course  directly  for  the  land,  and 
quietly  eats  his  fish,  sitting  on  the  limb  of  a  dry  tree,  or 
carries  it  to  his  young. 


136  THE  FISH-HAWK. 

It  sometimes  happens,  however,  that  the  Fish  Hawk 
is  neither  permitted  to  eat  his  prey  himself,  nor  carry 
it  to  his  young,  but  is  obliged  to  yield  it  up  to  the  bald 
eagle,  who  generally  lives  by  robbing  the  present 
species. 

While  the  Fish  Hawk  is  at  work,  as  above  described, 
in  order  to  provide  for  himself  or  family,  the  lazy  bald 
eagle  is  comfortably  seated  on  some  dry  tree  in  the 
neighbourhood,  watching  his  motions,  and  expecting  a. 
good  meal  whenever  his  labours  are  successful.  Now 
and  then,  while  the  industrious  Fish  Hawk  is  pursuing 
his  prey,  this  indolent  pirate  shakes  his  feathers,  and 
prepares  his  wings  for  the  pursuit,  the  instant  he  shall 
see  the  good  luck  of  his  neighbour. 

When,  therefore,  the  Fish  Hawk  rises  with  his  prey, 
the  eagle  begins  the  chase.  The  Fish  Hawk  often 
seerns  to  know  that  his  enemy  is  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  therefore  the  moment  he  comes  out  of  the  water, 
tries  to  avoid  the  robber,  by  rising  as  fast  as  possible 
into  the  air.  This  he  does  by  making  small  circles, 
gradually  rising  upward  in  the  form  of  a  screw.  The 
Eagle,  meantime  exerts  all  his  strength  and  swiftness, 
in  attempting  to  rise  above  the  other,  and  in  this  man- 
ner the  contest  is  sometimes  continued  for  half  an 
hour,  or  more,  the  Hawk  constantly  screaming,  in  a 
loud  and  distressing  voice.  At  last  the  pursued,  finding 
that  his  enemy  has  gained  upon  him,  and  that,  with  all 
his  exertions,  he  cannot  escape,  drops  the  fish,  which 
is  nearly  in  every  instance  caught  by  the  eagle,  before 
it  reaches  the  ground  ;  and  thus  the  poor  hungry 
Hawk  is  left  to  do  his  work  over  again. 

The  conduct  of  the  bald  eagle  is  an  apt  emblem  of 


THE  FALCON.  137 

the  course  pursued  by  certain  men  in  this  world.  For 
how  often  do  we  see  persons,  who  are  themselves 
lazy  and  worthless,  living  comfortably  on  the  earnings 
of  industrious  and  hard  working  people.  Perhaps 
these  persons  are  not  guilty  of  robbing  outright,  or  of 
cheating  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  brought  before  the 
magistrate,  and  punished  according  to  law.  But  they 
contrive  to  take  the  advantage  of  the  ignorant  and  la- 
borious, in  such  a  manner  as  to  get  into  their  own 
hands  most  of  their  earnings,  and  thus  to  live  in  idle- 
ness on  the  sweat  of  another's  face.  Such  vile  and 
Deceitful  conduct  may  possibly  escape  punishment  in 
this  world  ;  but  that  God,  who  sees  the  hearts  of  men, 
and  knows  all  their  secret  actions,  will  most  assuredly 
punish  such  injustice  at  the  day  of  final  account. 


THE  FALCON. 

The  Falcon  is  another  of  the  Rapacious  tribes  of 
birds.  They  agree  with  the  eagle  in  having  their  heads 
and  necks  covered  with  feathers,  and  in  having  sharp 
hooked  bills  and  strong  claws.  They  are,  in  general, 
much  smaller  than  the  eagles,  but  like  them  they  live 
by  catching  game,  which  commonly  consists  of  the 
smaller  birds  of  the  forest.  Some  of  them  visit  the 
farm  yards,  and  carry  off  the  chickens,  and  one  variety 
lives  chiefly  on  serpents.  These  birds  are  more  com- 
monly known  under  the  name  of  Hawks.  There  are 
many  varieties  of  them,  but  with  one  or  two  exceptions^ 
they  agree  very  nearly  in  form  and  habits. 
13 


138  THE  FALCON1, 

THE  SECRETARY  FALCON, 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Secretary  Falcon  ? 

The  Secretary  Falcon  is  one  of  the  largest  of  thfe 
tribe,  being  about  three  feet  high  from  the  ground  to 
his  head. 

What  is  the  form  of  this  bird  ? 

In  form  this  bird  resembles  both  the  eagle  and 
the  crane.  Its  head  and  bill  are  like  those  of  the  ea- 
gle, while  its  legs  and  body  are  similar  to  those  of  the 
crane. 

Why  is  this  bird  called  Secretary  Falcon  ? 

This  bird  is  called  Secretary  Falcon,  because  there 
grow  from  the  back  of  his  head  several  long  feathers,, 
which  make  him  look  like  a  secretary,  or  writer,  with 
his  pen  placed  behind  his  ear. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Secretary  Falcon  lives  in  Africa  and  Asia,  but 
has  not  been  seen  wild  in  any  other  country. 

What  is  its  colour  ? 

Its  colour  on  the  back  and  breast  is  bluish  white  ; 
the  tail  is  ash  coloured,  except  near  the  end,  where  it 
is  black ;  around  the  eyes,  the  colour  is  deep  orange. 

On  what  food  does  this  bird  live  ? 

This  Falcon  lives  chiefly  on  serpents,  in  the  taking 
of  which  he  displays  a  great  deal  of  cunning. 

It  would  appear  from  the  habits  of  this  singular  birdf 
that  Providence  had  designed  him  as  one  of  the  means 
of  preventing  the  great  increase  of  serpents  in  those 
hot  climates,  where  he  is  chiefly  to  be  found.  In  sei- 
zing these  dangerous  reptiles,  this  bird  always  has 
regard  for  his  own  safety.  When  he  comes  to  a  ser- 
pent, he  is  always  careful  to  carry  the  point  of  one  of 
his  wings  forward,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  the 


THE  FALCON.  139 

reptile  from  wounding  his  flesh  with  his  poisonous 
teeth.  Sometimes  he  takes  the  serpent  on  one  of  his 
wings,  and  throws  it  into  the  air,  and  after  having 
worried  it  in  this  way  for  a  time,  he  takes  the  first 
safe  opportunity  of  despatching  it,  by  a  single  blow  on 
the  head  with  his  bill.  He  then  makes  a  comfortable 
meal  of  his  fallen  enemy,  at  his  leisure. 

This  Falcon  is  easily  tamed,  and  when  domestica- 
ted, will  eat  any  kind  of  food,  whether  raw,  or  cooked. 
If  well  fed,  he  will  not  only  live  with  hens  and  chick- 
ens, on  friendly  terms,  but  when  he  sees  any  of  them 
quarrelling,  will  run  and  part  them,  and  restore  order 
and  harmony  in  the  poultry  yard.  If,  however,  he  is 
neglected,  and  becomes  hungry,  he  will  satisfy  his 
appetite  from  among  the  chickens  with  which  he  had 
Jived  on  such  kind  and  familiar  terms. 

THE  COMMON  FALCON. 

[  This  bird  has  also  been  called  Gentil  Falcon, ,] 

How  large  is  the  common  Falcon  ? 

The  common  Falcon  is  about  two  feet  long,  from 
the  bill  to  the  end  of  the  tail ;  but  the  body  is  small 
and  light,  only  weighing  three  or  four  pounds. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  his  beak  is  reddish  ;  the  head  and 
neck  are  brown,  with  black  spots  ;  the  back  and 
wings  are  brown  ;  the  tail  is  striped  across  with  black 
and  ash  colour,  and  tipped  with  white. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  3 

This  Falcon  is  found  in  Scotland,  France,  and  other 
parts  of  Europe. 


140  THE  FALCON. 

^  \ 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

The  shape  of  the  Falcon  is  similar  to  that  of  the 
eagle,  only  that  the  bill  is  still  more  hooked,  and  the 
whole  appearance  of  the  bird  is  more  slender  and 
sprightly.  His  legs  and  feet  are  exceedingly  strong, 
and  his  wings  very  long  and  powerful,  in  proportion 
to  the  weight  of  his  body. 

Formerly  this  bird  was  tamed,  and  taught  to  catch 
other  birds,  for  the  use  of  his  master.  The  training  of 
the  Falcon  for  this  purpose  was  called  Falconry,  and 
the  hunting  with  him  was  called  Hawking. 

Among  the  ancient  nobility  of  England,  hawking 
was  considered  as  the  most  noble  and  princely  of  all 
sports.  Falconry,  or  the  training  of  the  Hawk,  was, 
therefore,  a  business  of  great  importance.  The  king's 
Falconer,  or  the  man  who  took  care  of  his  Hawks,  was 
among  the  most  dignified  officers  of  his  household, 
and  the  expense  attending  this  sport  was  so  great, 
that  none  but  men  of  wealth  could  afford  to  indulge 
themselves  in  it.  During  these  times,  a  pair  of  Hawks 
sometimes  sold  for  a  thousand  dollars,  our  money,  and 
in  one  instance,  even  five  thousand  dollars  were  paid 
for  an  extraordinary  brace  of  these  birds. 

At  the  present  day,  we  look  with  pity  and  contempt 
on  such  silly  and  wicked  extravagance  ;  and  yet  in 
our  own  times,  we  have  many  fashions,  which,  if  they 
are  not  as  expensive,  are  fully  as  ridiculous,  and  which 
will  be  looked  upon  by  future  generations  with  equal 
contempt  and  pity. 

The  Falcon  is  a  bird  of  very  extraordinary  ferocity, 
courage,  and  strength.  When  tamed,  and  trained  for 
Hawking,  he  is,  however,  under  the  complete  com- 


THE  FALCON.  141 

mand  of  his  master,  and,  when  taken  out  for  sport, 
was  carried  sitting  on  his  hand. 

These  birds  would  fly  with  such  force,  and  knew  so 
well  in  what  part  to  strike  their  game,  that  they  would 
pounce  upon  any  other  bird,  however  large.  The 
stork,  the  heron,  and  the  crane,  each  of  which  is  two 
or  three  times  the  size  of  the  Falcon,  were  their  com- 
mon game.  They  always  struck  their  prey  under  the 
wing,  and  in  a  few  minutes  so  disabled  it  with  their 
beaks  and  claws,  as  to  bring  it  to  the  ground. 

If  the  Falcon  did  not  succeed  in  striking  his  game, 
he  always  returned,  and  took  his  seat  again  on  the 
Falconer's  hand  ;  but  when  the  game  was  struck  to 
the  ground,  he  staid  and  kept  it  down  until  his  master 
came  arid  took  it  from  him. 

The  training  of  these  wild  and  ferocious  birds,  so  as 
to  make  them  fly  and  return  as  occasion  required, 
and  to  be  under  the  entire  command  of  their  masters, 
required  much  time  and  experience.  Men  made  this 
kind  of  instruction  the  business  of  their  lives,  and  often 
became  rich  by  the  sale  of  their  birds.  This  kind  of 
instruction  was  indeed,  at  one  time  considered  a  mat- 
ter of  so  much  importance,  that  books,  almost  without 
number  have  been  written  on  the  best  methods  of 
training  a  Hawk. 

We  cannot  here  go  fully  into  this  subject,  but  per- 
haps a  short  account  of  the  common  mode  of  training 
these  birds  may  gratify  some  of  our  young  readers. 
It  is  indeed  an  interesting  part  of  natural  history,  to 
inquire  how  the  nature  and  habits  of  animals  can  be 
changed  by  the  discipline  of  man. 

The  first  lesson  which  the  Falconer  taught  his  bird, 
13* 


142  THE  FALCON. 

was,  to  submit  patiently  to  be  blindfolded,  or  to  have 
his  eyes  covered  from  the  light.  This  was  done  chiefly 
by  starving  the  poor  bird  until  he  made  no  resistance 
to  having  his  hood  put  on  or  taken  off'.  As  a  reward 
for  such  quiet  submission,  he  was  always  fed  with 
some  delicate  morsel,  and  thus  gradually  became  at- 
tached to  his  instructor. 

After  the  first  lesson  had  succeeded,  the  bird  was 
carried  out  of  doors,  the  hood  taken  off,  and  by  means 
of  food  and  persuasion,  he  was  taught  to  jump  on  the  « 
hand  of  his  master,  and  to  sit  quietly  there.  After 
this  he  was  made  acquainted  with  the  lure.  The  lure 
was  the  skin  of  a  bird  stuffed  ;  and  care  was  taken 
that  it  should  be  of  the  kind  which  it  was  intended  the 
Falcon  should  pursue  for  game,  when  he  actually  en- 
gaged in  Hawking.  On  this  there  was  placed  some 
delicate  food,  which  the  bird  was  permitted  to  eat. 
The  use  of  the  food  was  to  flatter  the  bird  to  come 
back,  after  he  had  flown  into  the  air  and  also  to  attach 
him  to  the  living  bird,  which  the  lure  represented, 
when  he  should  be  permitted  to  fly  at  it  in  the  field. 

During  the  period  of  this  instruction,  the  Hawk  was 
lied  with  a  long  string,  so  that  he  could  not  escape  ; 
and  after  these  lessons  had  been  many  times  repeated 
and  properly  learned,  the  bird  was  shewn  the  live 
game  instead  of  the  lure,  but  so  tied  that  it  could  not 
escape,  and  on  this  he  was  permitted  to  pounce. 

After  the  Falconer  had  exercised  his  Hawk  in  this 
manner  for  some  time,  and  found  that  the  bird  was  so 
attached  to  him,  as  to  obey  Jiis  call  from  a  distance, 
and  come  and  perch  upon  his  hand  without  fear,  he 
then  took  him  out  into  the  field  for  actual  sport. 


THE  FALCON.  143 

When  in  the  field,  the  Falconer  removed  the  hood 
by  which  his  eyes  were  covered,  and  gave  him  his  full 
liberty,  at  the  same  time  shewing  him  the  game,  of 
which  the  lure  was  made.  At  this  he  would  generally 
Hy  with  avidity,  and  soon  bring  it  to  the  ground  ;  when 
his  master  would  give  him  a  large  piece  of  meat  as  a 
reward  for  his  courage.  Sometimes,  however,  he 
would  take  this  opportunity  to  escape,  never  to  return, 
thus  leaving  the  disappointed  Falconer  nothing  but 
regret  for  all  his  pains.  But  more  commonly  the 
master  never  gave  him  his  freedom,  until  well  assured 
of  his  attachment  and  obedience. 

By  long  perseverance  in  this  method  of  instruction, 
the  Falcon  may  be  taught  to  fly  at  any  game  what- 
ever, and  to  bring  to  the  ground  almost  any  bird,  not 
larger  than  himself. 

The  sport,  if  such  it  can  be  called,  consists  in  be- 
holding the  ferocity  and  swiftness  with  which  the  at- 
tack is  made  ;  the  terror  and  dismay  into  which  the 
game  is  thrown  by  such  an  attack ;  and  the  art  em- 
ployed by  the  two  birds,  the  one  escaping  for  his  life, 
and  the  other  pursuing  to  destroy. 

Some  particular  birds,  such  as  the  heron  and  wood- 
lark,  are  said  to  afford  the  finest  sport  to  the  lovers  of 
such  scenes.  These  birds,  the  moment  they  find  them- 
selves pursued  by  the  Hawk,  instantly  take  to  the 
skies.  They  fly  almost  perpendicularly  upwards, 
while  their  rapacious  pursuer  keeps  pace  with  their 
flight,  and  makes  use  of  all  his  strength  of  wing,  in 
trying  to  rise  above  them.  As  the  spectator  watches 
the  contest,  both  birds  gradually  appear  smaller,  in 
proportion  as  they  go  from  him,  until  they  are  lost 


144  THE  FALCON. 

from  his  sight  among  the  clouds.  But  they  are  soon 
after  seen  coming  down  together,  struggling  despe- 
rately with  each  other,  the  one  to  escape,  the  other 
to  grasp,  and  disable  his  prey.  But  this  unequal  com- 
bat is  generally  soon  finished,  for  the  Falcon,  by  means 
of  his  hooked  bill,  and  terrible  claws,  tears  the  poor 
defenceless  lark  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  disable,  or 
even  kill  it,  before  they  reach  the  ground.  This, 
among  the  lovers  of  such  cruelty,  is  called  delightful 
sport. 

The  reason  why  animals  were  made  so  differently 
from  each  other  is  unknown  to  us,  and  therefore  we 
have  no  right  to  find  the  least  fault  with  the  works  of 
creation.  We  however  see  that  some  are  made  weak, 
and  without  the  least  means  of  defence,  while  others 
are  strong,  and  armed  in  a  most  powerful  manner. 
We  see,  also,  that  some  are  apparently  designed  for 
the  food  of  others,  and  there  is  no  doubt,  but  in  this, 
the  Creator  consulted  the  sum  total  of  happiness,  to 
be  enjoyed  by  the  whole  brute  creation.  Among  the 
fowls  of  the  air,  as  well  as  among  the  beasts  of  the 
field,  we  see  that  one  kind  is  designed  to  prey  upon 
another  kind.  The  Falcon,  from  the  very  fact  of  his 
having  claws  for  seizing  his  prey,  a  hooked  bill  for 
tearing  its  flesh,  and  an  appetite  for  flesh  and  blood, 
was  evidently  designed  to  live  by  the  destruction  of 
other  animals.  In  doing  this,  therefore,  he  makes  use 
of  the  only  means  in  his  power  to  satisfy  his  appetite, 
and  must  either  destroy  life  or  perish  himself. 

But  the  question  arises,  whether  man,  the  lord  of 
created  things  on  earth,  has  a  just  right  to  assist  one 
animal  in  the  cruel  destruction  of  another,  merely  for 


THE  BUZZARD.  145 

his  own  amusement.  The  Falcon,  when  he  pursues 
the  timid  lark,  at  the  command  of  his  master,  does  not 
do  it  for  the  purpose  of  satisfying  his  own  hunger,  or 
that  of  the  sportsman,  but  he  is  taught  to  do  this 
merely  to  gratify  the  curiosity  of  a  number  of  idle 
spectators.  It  is  therefore  certain,  that  Hawking  is 
both  unjust  and  wicked,  because  it  gives  great  pain, 
without  satisfying  any  natural  appetite,  and  exhibits  a 
scene  of  wanton  cruelty,  calculated  to  harden  the 
hearts,  and  deprave  the  tastes  of  men,  without  any- 
good  motive. 


THE  BUZZARD. 

What  kind  of  a  bird  is  the  Buzzard  ? 

The  Buzzard  is  a  bird  of  the  falcon  kind,  but  is  far 
less  beautiful,  and  not  so  swift,  nor  so  easily  taught  as 
the  true  falcon. 

How  large  is  this  bird  ? 

His  length  is  about  a  foot  and  a  half,  and  with  the 
wings  spread,  he  is  about  three  feet  and  a  half  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

His  back  is  of  a  dark  ash  colour,  which  grows  paler 
along  the  breast,  and  under  parts  ;  his  wings  and  tail 
are  marked  with  dark  coloured  bars ;  the  legs  are 
yellowish,  and  the  claws  black. 

What  is  the  form  of  the  Buzzard  ? 

The  form  and  appearance  of  this  bird  are  between 
those  of  the  falcon  and  the  owl.  His  body,  wings, 
and  tail  are  short,  like  those  of  the  owl,  and  his  eyes 
are  similar  to  the  owl's,  but  not  so  large.  His  legs, 
claws,  and  bill,  are  like  those  of  the  falcon. 


146  THE  BUZZARD. 

Where  is  this  bird  found? 

The  Buzzard  lives  in  most  parts  of  Europe,  and  is 
also  found  in  America, 

Is  this  bird  ever  trained  for  Hawking  ? 

This  bird  is  so  lazy  in  his  habits,  and  so  stupid  in 
his  character,  that  he  is  not  capable  of  being  taught, 
like  other  falcons,  to  fly  after  game,  and  obey  the  call 
of  his  master. 

What  is  the  food  of  the  Buzzard  ? 

The  food  of  this  bird  consists  chiefly  of  frogs,  mice, 
and  such  insects,  as  he  can  catch  without  the  trouble 
of  flying  after  them. 

The  following  anecdote  of  one  of  these  birds,  is  told 
by  Buffon,  and  was  related  to  him  by  one  of  his  friends. 
It  shews,  contrary  to  the  common  opinion,  that  the 
Buzzard  can  be  tamed,  arid  be  made  to  know  his  mas- 
ter, and  attach  himself  to  him. 

A  Buzzard  was  taken  in  a  snare,  and  given  to  Buf- 
fon's  friend.  At  first  he  was  wild  and  ferocious,  but 
on  leaving  him  without  food  for  a  time,  he  became 
more  tame,  and  would  eat  out  of  the  hand.  In  about 
six  weeks,  he  became  quite  familiar,  and  was  allowed 
to  go  out  of  doors,  though  W7ith  his  wings  tied,  to  pre- 
vent his  flying  away.  In  this  condition  he  walked 
about  the  garden,  and  would  return  when  called  to 
be  fed. 

After  some  time,  he  became  quite  tame,  and  seemed 
to  be  attached  to  his  master,  and  then  his  wings  were 
untied,  a  small  bell  was  attached  to  his  leg,  and  a 
piece  of  copper  was  fastened  around  his  neck,  with 
the  owner's  name  marked  on  it.  He  was  then  given 
full  liberty  to  go  where  he  pleased,  which,  however, 


THE  BUZZARD.  147 

he  soon  abused  by  flying  away  into  the  woods.  The 
gentleman  now  gave  up  his  Buzzard  as  lost,  but  in  four 
hours  afterwards,  he  rushed  into  the  house,  followed 
by  five  other  Buzzards,  from  whose  attacks  he  was 
glad  to  seek  a  place  of  safety.  After  this  caper  he 
became  more  tame  and  familiar  than  before,  and  so 
attached  himself  to  his  master,  as  to  sleep  every  night, 
in  his  bed -room.  He  was  always  present  at  dinner, 
and  sat  on  one  corner  of  the  table.  He  would  caress 
his  master  with  his  head  and  bill,  but  would  do  this  to 
no  other  person. 

One  day,  when  the  gentleman  rode  on  horseback, 
the  Buzzard  followed  him  several  miles,  constantly 
flying  near  him,  or  over  his  head. 

This  bird  did  not  like  either  dogs  or  cats,  but  was 
not  in  the  least  afraid  of  them.  Sometimes  he  had 
battles  with  these  animals,  but  always  came  off  victo- 
rious. To  try  his  courage,  four  strong  cats  were  col- 
lected together  in  the  garden  with  the  bird,  and  some 
raw  meat  was  thrown  to  them.  The  bird  beat  them 
all,  so  that  they  were  glad  to  retreat,  and  then  took  all 
the  meat  himself. 

This  Buzzard  had  such  a  hatred  to  red  caps,  that  he 
would  not  suffer  one  to  be  on  the  head  of  any  person 
in  his  presence.  And  he  was  so  expert  at  taking  them 
off,  that  the  laborers  in  the  field,  who  wore  them, 
'  often  found  themselves  bare-headed,  without  knowing 
what  became  of  their  caps.  He  now  and  then  would 
also  snatch  away  wigs,  without  doing  the  wearer  any 
other  injury  than  stealing  his  property.  These  caps 
and  wigs,  he  always  carried  into  a  tree,  the  tallest  in 
the  neighbourhood,  which  was  the  place  where  he 
deposited  all  his  stolen  goods. 


148  THE  BUZZARD. 

He  would  never  suffer  any  other  bird  of  the  rapa* 
cious  kind  to  stay  near  his  dwelling,  but  would  attack 
them  boldly  and  put  them  to  flight.  He  did  no  mis- 
chief among  his  master's  poultry,  nor  were  the  chick- 
ens, and  young  ducks,  after  a  while  afraid  of  him. 
But  he  was  not  kind  to  the  hens  and  chickens  of  his 
neighbours,  and  would  sometimes  pounce  upon  them  ; 
so  that  his  master  was  often  obliged  to  advertise  that 
he  would  pay  for  all  mischief  his  Buzzard  might  be 
guilty  of.  He  was,  however,  frequently  fired  at,  and 
at  different  times  received  fifteen  musket  shots,  without 
however  having  a  bone  broken. 

Once,  while  flying  near  a  forest,  he  dared  to  attack 
a  young  fox,  which  being  seen  by  a  man,  he  was  fired 
at  twice.  The  fox  was  killed  by  the  shot,  and  the 
bird  had  his  wing  broken,  but  contrived  to  escape  from 
the  man,  and  was  lost  for  seven  days.  The  man 
knowing  by  the  noise  of  the  bell  on  the  bird  to  whom 
he  belonged,  went  and  informed  the  owner  what  he 
had  done.  Search  was  made,  but  the  Buzzard  could 
not  be  found.  A  whistle,  which  used  to  call  him  home, 
was  blown  every  day,  for  six  days,  but  the  bird  made 
no  answer*  On  the  seventh  day,  however,  he  answer- 
ed with  a  feeble  cry,  and  was  soon  found  with  his 
wing  broken,  being  very  weak  and  lean.  He  had 
walked  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  place  where  he  was 
wounded,  and  had  nearly  reached  his  master's  house. 
In  six  weeks,  his  wounds  were  healed,  and  he  began 
to  fly  about,  and  follow  his  old  habits  as  before.  Thus 
he  continued  for  about  a  year,  when  he  disappeared, 
never  to  return.  Whether  he  was  killed,  or  escaped 
from  choice  was  not  known. 


THE  OWL.  149 

THE  OWL. 

This  rapacious  tribe  of  birds,  instead  of  pursuing 
their  prey  in  the  day-time,  like  those  already  described, 
make  war  upon  their  fellows  only  during  the  night, 
and  like  pirates  and  cowards,  fall  upon  their  victims 
when  they  cannot  defend  themselves.  Their  eyes  are 
so  constructed,  that  they  can  see  much  better  at  the 
dusk  of  evening  than  by  the  light  of  the  sun.  Their 
heads  are  round,  and  their  eyes  large  and  staring,  like 
those  of  the  cat.  Their  bills  and  claws  are  hooked 
and  strong,  and  their  whole  form  calculated  for  rapine 
and  plunder.  They  live  on  mice,  young  birds,  and 
such  other  small  animals  as  they  can  catch.  There 
are  about  forty  varieties  of  this  bird,  all  of  which  have 
similar  habits  and  manners. 

THE  GREAT  HORNED  OWL. 

How  large  is  the  Great  Horned  Owl  ? 

The  Great  Horned  Owl  is  two  feet  and  a  half  long, 
and  five  feet  in  extent. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

In  shape,  this  bird  appears  short  and  thick,  the  head 
is  broad  and  large,  and  on  the  top  of  it  there  rise  two 
tufts  of  feathers,  which  look  like  horns,  and  from  which 
he  takes  his  name. 

What  is  his  colour  ? 

His  colour  is  yellowish  red,  elegantly  spotted  with 
black  and  brown  ;  the  legs  are  reddish,  and  feathered 
to  the  toes. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  Owl  is  a  common  inhabitant  of  Asia,  Europe, 

and  America. 

14 


ISO  THE  OWL. 

The  Owl  is  a  ferocious,  sly,  and  savage  bird.  He 
does  not,  like  the  eagle  and  falcon,  attack  his  prey  by 
broad  day-light,  and  give  it  a  chance  to  escape,  but 
like  the  deceitful  robber,  goes  under  the  cover  of  night 
and  wages  war,  when  it  is  least  expected.  The  Owl 
cannot,  however,  see  best  in  the  darkest  nights,  as 
some  people  suppose.  It  is  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening, 
and  in  the  grey  of  the  morning  that  his  eyes  are  best 
fitted  for  seeing ;  and  it  is  at  these  times,  that  he  is 
most  successful  in  seizing  his  prey,  for  he  then  finds 
most  other  birds  asleep,  and  has  only  to  seek,  and 
take  such  as  he  likes  best. 

There  is,  however,  considerable  difference  in  the 
several  species  of  this  bird,  in  respect  to  their  being 
able  to  see  in  the  day  time.  The  Great  Horned  Owl 
can  see  to  fly  soon  after  sun-set,  and  even  if  caught 
away  from  home  in  the  day  time,  he  will  sometimes 
find  his  way  back.  But  the  Barn  Owl  sees  best  when 
it  is  quite  dark,  and  if  he  happens  to  be  caught  at  a 
distance  from  his  hole,  when  the  sun  shines,  becomes 
blind,  and  seemingly  stupified  with  the  light,  and  will  not 
move  from  the  place  where  he  is  found,  until  it  begins 
to  grow  dark. 

The  Great  Horned  Owl  brings  up  its  young  in  the 
cavern  of  a  rock,  or  in  the  hollow  of  some  old  tree, 
far  in  the  woods.  Its  nest  is  built  of  sticks,  bound 
together  with  the  small  roots  of  trees,  and  lined  on 
the  inside  with  leaves. 

These  birds  are  strongly  attached  to  their  offspring, 
and  when  they  are  stolen  and  carried  away,  the  pa- 
rents will  sometimes  seek  out  the  place  where  they 
are  confined,  and  continue  to  supply  them  with  food. 


THE  OWL.  151 

A  gentleman  lived  near  a  steep  mountain,  in  which 
&  pair  of  these  Owls  had  made  their  nest.  One  day, 
his  servant  found  one  of  the  young  Owls,  which  had 
strayed  away  from  the  others,  and  having  caught  it, 
carried  it  home,  and  confined  it  in  a  hen  coop.  The 
next  morning  a  dead  partridge  was  found  before  the 
door  of  the  coop.  This,  the  gentleman  supposed  had 
been  left  there  by  the  parent  birds,  in  order  to  supply 
their  unfortunate  young  one  with  provisions  ;  and  this 
proved  to  have  been  the  case,  for  every  night,  for 
fourteen  nights  afterwards,  some  provision  was  found 
to  have  been  left  in  the  same  place.  The  gentleman 
and  his  servant  watched  at  the  window  for  several 
nights,  in  order  to  ascertain  at  what  time  this  supply 
of  food  was  brought ;  but  in  this  they  were  disappoint- 
ed, for  it  seems  that  the  bird  was  so  quick-sighted  as 
to  see  them  at  the  window,  and  would  not  come  and 
lay  down  her  food,  as  long  as  she  was  watched.  But 
the  moment  they  left  the  window,  she  laid  down  the 
provision  and  flew  away. 

The  old  birds  continued  this  care,  until  the  young 
one  had  arrived  at  an  age  when  young  owls  are  usually 
left  by  their  parents  to  take  care  of  themselves,  when 
no  farther  supply  was  brought. 

THE  SCREECH  OWL. 

The  Screech  Owl  is  so  called  on  account  of  the  pe- 
culiar and  distressing  noise  it  makes  in  the  night.  Its 
voice  is  harsh  and  squeaking,  and  its  notes  rapid  and 
disagreeable.  Timid  persons  have  often  been  dread- 
fully frightened  by  the  noise  of  this  bird,  when  they 
did  not  know  its  cause. 


152  THE  OWL. 

This  Owl  is  much  smaller  than  the  great  horned 
owl,  being  only  about  one  foot  long.  Its  feathers  are 
soft  and  beautiful,  and  its  colour  a  mixture  of  yellow 
and  ash-colour,  spotted  with  white.  The  breast,  and 
under  parts  are  nearly  white,  and  the  legs  feathered 
down  to  the  claws. 

This  Owl  feeds  on  mice  and  small  birds,  and  hunts 
only  during  the  night.  In  the  day-time,  when  the  sun 
shines,  it  is  so  blind  as  to  be  unable  to  fly  from  one 
tree  and  light  on  another,  and  hence  it  commonly  re- 
turns home  before  the  light  of  the  sun  appears.  Some- 
times, however,  when  its  success  has  not  been  such  as 
to  satisfy  its  appetite,  it  is  so  imprudent  as  to  remain 
abroad,  until  the  sun  rises,  and  thus  to  become  blind, 
by  the  same  cause  that  enables  all  other  animals  to 
see.  Nothing  can  be  more  distressing  to  the  poor 
bird  than  such  an  accident,  since  it  is  now,  as  much 
at  a  loss  to  find  its  way  home,  as  a  child  would  be,  if 
left  in  the  woods  during  the  darkest  night. 

Dazzled  by  the  light,  and  bewildered  in  total  blind- 
ness, it  is  obliged  to  take  shelter  in  the  first  tree,  or 
hedge  it  can  find,  and  there  hide  itself,  until  the  dark- 
ness of  evening  enables  it  to  return  home.  But  it 
often  happens  that  the  poor  bird  cannot  conceal  itself, 
so  that  the  birds  of  day  will  not  spy  out  its  hiding 
place,  and  then  it  is  sure  to  receive  no  mercy.  All  the 
little  birds  of  the  air  seem  to  know  that  this  is  their 
natural  enemy,  and  that  now  is  their  time  to  take  ven- 
geance upon  him.  The  black-bird,  the  robin,  the 
thrush,  the  king-bird,  and  the  jay,  all  come  in  a  crowd 
to  offer  their  insults  and  abuse. 


THE  OSTRICH.  153 

The  smallest,  and  most  contemptible  enemies  of  the 
bewildered  Owl,  are  now  the  most  forward  to  torment 
and  injure  him.  They  set  up  their  loudest  cries  ;  fly 
at  him  ;  flap  him  in  the  face  with  their  wings ;  and, 
like  all  other  cowards,  make  the  greatest  shew  of  cou- 
rage, when  there  is  the  least  danger.  The  unfortunate 
Owl,  not  knowing  where  he  is,  or  from  what  quarter 
the  next  attack  is  to  be  made,  and  being  equally  una- 
ble to  escape,  or  defend  himself,  adopts  the  best  plan 
in  his  power,  and  that  is,  to  sit  still,  and  bear  with  stu- 
pidity the  insults,  and  evils,  which  he  cannot  avoid. 
His  little  tormentors  are,  however,  careful  not  to  in- 
dulge in  their  sports  too  long,  for  they  know,  that  as 
soon  as  the  light  is  gone,  their  enemy  will  triumph  in- 
stead of  themselves,  and  therefore  before  the  sun  is 
fairly  down,  not  one  of  them  is  seen,  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Owl. 


THE  OSTRICH. 

The  Ostrich  tribe  presents  only  two  species.  In 
both,  the  legs  are  long  and  naked  ;  the  wings  are  short 
and  useless  for  flying  ;  the  neck  is  long,  and  the  bill 
flat ;  one  species  has  two  toes,  and  the  other  three, 
and  all  of  them  placed  forwards.  Besides  the  Ostrich, 
the  Cassowary  belongs  to  this  tribe.  They  are  the 
largest  birds  known. 

14* 


154  THE  OSTRICH. 

OSTRICH. 

How  large  is  the  Ostrich  ? 

The  Ostrich  is  the  largest  of  all  birds,  his  head  being 
from  seven  to  nine  feet  high,  and  his  back  about  four 
feet  from  the  ground. 

What  is  the  shape  of  the  Ostrich  ? 

His  shape  is  similar  to  that  of  the  crane.  His  legs 
and  neck  are  very  long,  his  body  short,  and  his  head 
small. 

What  is  the  colour  of  the  Ostrich  ? 

The  colour  of  this  bird,  on  the  back  and  breast  is 
perfectly  black;  the  long  feathers  of  the  tail  and  wings 
are  white  ;  the  legs  and  neck  are  yellowish  white  ; 
the  neck  is  covered  with  thin  hair ;  the  legs  are  en- 
tirely naked  of  feathers,  and  covered  with  scales. 

How  many  toes  has  this  bird  ? 

The  Ostrich  has  only  two  toes  on  each  foot ;  of 
these,  the  inside  one  is  much  the  longest,  being  seven 
inches  in  length,  and  ending  in  a  claw,  or  nail.  The 
other  is  four  inches  long,  and  without  a  nail. 

Is  this  a  rapacious  bird  ? 

This  bird,  though  so  large,  and  powerful,  does  not 
prey  upon  other  animals,  but  is  perfectly  harmless, 
when  not  pursued,  or  insulted. 

On  what  kind  of  food  does  this  bird  live  ? 

His  food  is  chiefly  of  the  vegetable  kind,  such  as 
nuts,  herbs,  and  grass  ;  but  he  is  exceedingly  voracious 
in  his  appetite,  and  will  swallow  leather,  buttons,  to- 
bacco, stones,  bullets,  or  any  thing  else  that  is  thrown 
to  him. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  the  hot  and  barren  deserts  of 
Africa  and  Asia. 


THE  OSTRICH.  155 

Is  this  a  solitary  or  a  social  bird  ? 

The  Ostrich  is  a  very  social  bird.  In  the  deserts 
where  they  live,  they  are  sometimes  seen  in  large 
flocks,  which,  at  a  distance,  appear  like  a  troop  of 
soldiery. 

The  Ostrich  is  as  singular  in  his  habits  and  manners, 
as  he  is  in  his  form  and  appearance.  He  inhabits  the 
most  solitary  and  barren  deserts,  where  there  are  only 
a  few  vegetables,  and  where  it  seldom  or  never  rains. 
The  Arabs  say  that  this  bird  never  drinks,  and  proba- 
bly this  is  true,  for  in  the  country  he  chiefly  inhabits, 
no  water  is  to  be  found. 

Like  the  elephant,  this  bird  never  multiplies  out 
of  his  native  country,  so  that  every  Ostrich  seen  in 
Europe  and  America,  has  once  been  an  inhabitant  of 
the  deserts  of  Africa  or  Asia. 

When  this  bird  runs,  he  makes  a  proud  and  lofty 
appearance,  but  he  cannot,  like  most  of  the  feathered 
species,  rise  from  the  ground,  and  fly  into  the  air. 
His  wings  are  so  short,  and  small,  that  he  cannot  raise 
himself  with  them  from  the  ground,  but  they  assist 
him  greatly  in  running,  so  that  he  can  outrun  the 
swiftest  horse. 

The  Ostrich  lays  her  eggs  in  the  sand,  without  the 
trouble  of  preparing  a  nest,  like  most  other  birds. 
The  eggs  are  nearly  as  large  as  the  head  of  a  child, 
and  weigh  about  fifteen  pounds  each.  During  the 
day,  when  the  sun  shines,  these  eggs  remain  sufficiently 
warm,  and  the  bird  leaves  them,  to  go  in  search  of 
food  for  herself ;  but  at  night  she  carefully  broods 
over  them ;  and  in  this  it  is  said,  the  male  is  some- 
times so  kind,  as  to  take  turns  with  her. 


156  THE  OSTRICH. 

These  birds,  during  the  time  they  are  hatching  their 
eggs,  live  in  small  familes,  one  male  taking  care  of  five 
or  six  females.  The  eggs  of  the  whole  family  are  all 
laid  in  the  same  place,  and  hatched  at  the  same  time. 
If  they  are  disturbed,  or  frightened,  they  sometimes 
forsake  their  nests,  and  never  return  again  to  them ; 
and,  if,  when  they  are  away  from  their  own  nests,  they 
happen  to  meet  with  the  eggs  of  another  Ostrich,  they 
will  adopt  them  as  their  own  and  hatch  the  young. — 
It  is  also  said,  that  these  birds  sometimes  leave  their 
young,  in  the  same  manner  they  do  their  eggs,  and 
never  again  return  to  them. 

The  eggs  of  the  Ostrich,  in  the  country  where  they 
are  found,  are  considered  the  most  delicate  kind  of 
food.  One  egg  will  make  a  good  dinner  for  four  or 
five  persons.  The  flesh  of  this  bird  is  also  eaten  by  the 
Arabs,  but  is  coarse,  and  ill-tasted,  and  would  not  be 
eaten  by  those  who  could  obtain  better  meat. 

The  Ostrich  is  chiefly  hunted  for  his  feathers,  which 
are  sold  in  Europe  and  America,  and  are  worn  on  the 
head  as  an  article  of  ornament.  Princes,  laides  and 
warriors,  have  for  ages  been  fond  of  wearing  the^  feath- 
ers of  this  bird,  in  order  to  attract  attention,  or  in- 
crease the  beauty  of  their  appearance.  But  how  degra- 
ding the  thought,  that  reasonable  beings,  should  be  able 
to  gain  more  attention  from  each  other,  by  wearing  the 
feathers  of  a  poor  silly  bird. 

HUNTING  THE  OSTRICH. 

Ostriches  are  taken  in  several  ways.  Sometimes 
they  are  chased  by  dogs,  or  by  men,  mounted  on  hor- 
ses ;  sometimes  they  are  taken  by  nets ;  and  sometimes 


THE  OSTRICH.  157 

the  Arabs  catch  them  in  the  following  manner.  They 
take  the  skin  of  an  Ostrich,  and  put  it  over  the  head, 
passing  one  of  the  arms  through  the  neck,  thus  im- 
itating in  appearance  one  of  these  birds.  Dressed  out 
in  this  deceptive  manner,  the  hunter  goes  among  the 
Ostriches,  where  he  is  taken  by  them,  for  one  of  their 
own  kind,  and  he  having  introduced  himself  as  one  of 
a  flock,  makes  an  easy  prey  of  several  of  these  un- 
suspecting birds. 

But  the  most  common  mode  of  hunting  the  Ostrich 
is  by  means  of  horses,  the  swiftest  and  best  of  these 
animals  being  trained  for  this  sport  by  the  Arabs. 

When  an  Arab  intends  to  go  out  on  such  an  expe- 
dition, he  mounts  a  horse  which  has  been  trained  to 
the  sport,  and  proceeds  to  the  hunting  ground,  and 
rides  slowly  and  cautiously  along  until  he  discovers  his 
game.  He  does  not  then  begin  the  chase,  and  pursue 
directly  after  his  game,  because  in  that  case  the  bird 
would  take  the  alarm,  and  as  it  can  outrun  the  swiftest 
horse,  would  flee  to  the  mountains  and  be  lost.  He 
therefore  proceeds  slowly,  and  follows  only  at  a  long 
distance.  Meantime  the  silly  bird,  not  seeing  his  dan- 
ger, instead  of  running  in  a  straight  line  to  a  place  of 
safety,  goes  round  in  a  circle.  The  hunter  now  goes 
round  also,  and  makes  a  small  circle  within  that  made 
by  the  bird,  riding  only  so  near  as  to  keep  his  game 
constantly  upon  the  run.  While  one  hunter  is  doing 
this,  another  hunter  will  approach  from  some  place 
which  the  bird  does  not  expect,  and  thus  make  him 
run  across  the  circle  at  full  speed.  In  this  manner  the 
chase  is  continued  for  two  or  three  days.  At  night, 
the  bird  might  easily  escape,  did  he  foresee  that  his 


158  THE  OSTRICH. 

enemies  would  again  beset  him  in  the  morning  ;  but 
being  both  stupid,  and  fatigued,  he  lies  still  near  the 
place  where  the  hunters  leave  him,  and  is  thus  readi- 
ly found  in  the  morning. 

At  last  the  poor  bird,  being  worn  down  with  fa- 
tigue, and  exhausted  by  famine,  finds  when  it  is  too 
late,  that  escape  is  out  of  his  power.  He  then  tries 
to  hide  himself  from  his  enemies,  by  plunging  into  a 
thicket  if  one  is  near,  or  by  lying  close  behind  some 
little  sand  hill.  Sometimes,  however,  when  closely 
pursued,  he  boldly  turns  upon  the  hunters,  and  defends 
himself  with  all  his  might. 

Although  by  nature  wild  and  innocent,  he  now  be « 
comes  desperate,  and  fights  with  great  force  with  his 
beak,  wings  and  feet,  so  that  the  men  are  obliged  to 
escape  from  his  rage,  to  save  themselves  from  being 
thrown  down,  and  trampled  under  his  feet.  Having 
escaped  from  his  blows,  the  hunters  renew  the  attack 
until  the  exhausted  bird  is  no  longer  able  to  make 
much  resistance.  The  silly  Ostrich,  then  finding  that 
both  escape  and  defence  are  equally  out  of  his  power, 
either  puts  his  head  under  his  wing,  or  buries  it  under 
the  sand,  thus  thinking  to  hide  himself  from  the  sight 
of  his  enemies,  by  blinding  his  own  eyes.  In  this  con- 
dition he  is  easily  caught  and  secured  by  the  hunters. 

The  Arabs  after  taking  their  game  in  this  manner, 
try  every  means  to  keep  it  alive,  and  to  tame  it  for  the 
purpose  of  supplying  themselves  with  the  feathers 
which  it  sheds,  these  being  much  more  valuable  than 
those  taken  from  the  dead  bird. 


THE  OSTRICH.  15f 

TAME  OSTRICH. 

The  inhabitants  of  Lybia  keep  tame  Ostriches,  and 
raise  up  flocks  of  them  every  year,  for  the  sake  of 
procuring  their  feathers.  Travellers,  therefore,  who- 
have  visited  that  barren  country,  have  had  opportuni- 
ties of  becoming  acquainted  with  the  manners  of  this 
celebrated  bird.  From  such  persons  we  learn  that 
the  Ostrich  is  by  nature  kind  and  playful ;  but  when 
insulted  and  provoked,  he  makes  a  fierce,  angry,  hiss- 
ing noise,  and  will  attack  those  who  insult  him,  with 
his  bill,  and  strike  at  them  with  his  wings  and  feet. — 
During  the  darkness  of  the  night,  they  make  a  most 
doleful,  and  frightful  noise,  resembling  the  growling 
of  the  lion,  or  the  hoarse  bellowing  of  a  cow.  Some- 
times the  noise  is  like  the  crying  of  a  hoarse  child,  but 
louder  and  more  dismal. 

In  the  heat  of  the  day  these  birds  strut  about  in  the 
sun,  holding  up  their  heads,  and  fanning  themselves 
with  their  wings,  at  the  same  time  seeming  to  admire 
the  shadows  which  they  make.  With  persons  of  their 
acquaintance,  they  are  quite  familiar,  and  will  come, 
when  called,  and  eat  out  of  the  hand ;  but  they  are 
sometimes  fierce  towards  strangers,  and  will  try  to 
push  them  down,  by  running  furiously  against  them, 
and  when  down  they  will  peck  them  with  their  bills, 
and  strike  them  with  their  feet. 

These  birds  are  so  strong  as  to  be  able  to  carry  one, 
oreven  two  persons,  on  their  backs,  and  still  to  run  with 
great  swiftness. 

When  Mr.  Adanson  was  at  Podor,  a  village  on  the 
bank  of  the  river  Niger,  in  Africa,  he  saw  two  little  ne- 


160  THE  OSTRICH. 

groes  mounted  at  the  same  time  on  the  back  of  an 
Ostrich.  The  bird,  as  soon  as  they  were  on  his  back, 
began  to  move,  and  soon  run  as  fast  as  possible,  several 
times  around  the  village.  This  sight  pleased  the  gen- 
tleman so  much,  that  he  requested  to  have  it  repeated ; 
and  to  try  the  strength  of  these  birds,  he  desired  a 
negro  man  to  get  on  the  back  of  a  small  Ostrich,  and 
two  other  men  to  mount  on  that  of  a  larger  one. 
This  weight,  he  states,  did  not  seem  too  much  for 
these  birds.  They  moved  at  first,  at  a  good  trot,  but 
when  they  became  a  little  heated,  they  expanded  their 
wings,  and  went  along  w7ith  such  amazing  swiftness, 
that  they  seemed  hardly  to  touch  the  ground. 

The  Ostrich  is  twice  mentioned  in  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures, namely  in  Job,  chap.  39,  verse  13-18,  and  in 
Lamentations,  chap.  4,  verse  3.  The  passage  in  Job 
describes  the  character,  and  habits  of  this  bird,  with 
wonderful  correctness,  and  shews,  that  since  the  day 
it  was  written,  the  silly  Ostrich  has  riot  advanced, 
either  in  wisdom,  or  understanding,  but  that  she  re- 
mains the  same  in  every  respect  that  she  was  three 
thousand  years  ago. 

"  The  Ostrich,  which  leave th  her  eggs  in  the  earth, 
and  warmeth  them  in  the  dust,  and  forgetteth  that  the 
foot  may  crush  them,  or  that  the  wild  beast  may 
break  them.  She  is  hardened  against  her  young 
ones,  as  though  they  were  not  hers.  Because  God  hath 
deprived  her  of  wisdom,  neither  hath  he  imparted  to 
her  understanding.  What  time  she  lifteth  up  herself 
on  high,  she  scorneth  the  horse  and  his  rider." 

How  perfectly  this  agrees  with  the  history  of  this 
poor  foolish  bird,  given  above,  and  particularly  where 
it  is  stated,  that  she  leaves  her  eggs  and  her  young, 


THE  OSTRICH.  161 

and  that  she  does  not  try  to  escape  to  the  mountains, 
when  chased  by  the  horse  and  his  rider.  The  same 
character,  in  part,  is  given  her  in  Lamentations, 
where  it  is  said,  "  The  daughter  of  my  people  is  be- 
come cruel,  like  the  Ostrich  of  the  wilderness." 

We  may  consider  it  a  singular  circumstance,  that 
an  animal,  which  is  by  nature  so  cruel  and  unfeeling 
as  to  forsake  her  eggs,  and  to  leave  her  young  when 
they  are  unable  to  take  care  of  themselves,  should  be 
preserved  in  existence.  Why  do  not  the  whole  race 
perish  ?  Even  with  the  greatest  care,  both  of  the 
eggs,  and  of  the  young,  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  these 
creatures  live,  since  they  inhabit  the  deserts,  which 
are  so  dry  and  barren,  that  any  other  animal,  if  left 
there  by  accident,  would  soon  perish  of  hunger  and 
thirst.  In  this,  we  may  behold  the  wisdom  and  power 
of  the  Creator.  It  is  he  who  made  the  Ostrish,  that 
hath  fitted  her  for  the  place  in  which  she  dwells,  and 
has  given  her  the  means  of  providing  for  her  wants,  in 
places  where  other  animals  would  perish.  And  is 
there  not  every  reason  to  believe,  that  He,  who  careth 
for  the  Ostrich  in  the  desert,  and  feedeth  her  young, 
when  forsaken,  will  more  especially  regard  the  peti- 
tions of  children,  who  humbly  ask  his  blessing  for 
themselves  and  their  parents  ? 

The  character  of  the  Ostrich  seems  to  be  made  up, 
chiefly  of  pride  and  foolishness.  It  is  so  proud  of  its 
long  neck  and  fluttering  wings,  as  to  admire,  even  its 
own  shadow  ;  and  it  is  so  foolish,  that  when  pursued 
by  the  hunter,  it  does  not  run  a  straight  course,  and 
thus  escape,  but  continues  going  round  in  a  circle,  un- 
til it  is  tired  down  and  taken.  Thus  we  see,  that  in 
15 


IS*  THE  OSTRICH, 

the  ostrich  pride  and  folly  go  together,  and  we  are 
sorry  to  say,  that  in  human  beings  we  too  often  ob- 
serve the  same  thing  ;  for  whenever  we  see  a  person 
very  proud  of  his  looks,  we  may  be  sure  that  he  i* 
very  foolish  also. 

Wisdom  and  goodness  will  always  direct  the  person 
who  has  them,  in  a  straight  forward  course,  so  that  he 
commonly  escapes  any  snare  that  is  laid  for  him: 
but  when  we  see  a  person,  instead  of  coming  directly 
to  the  truth,  taking  a  crooked  course,  and  going  round 
it,  as  the  Ostrich  runs  around  the  hunter,  we  may  be 
certain  that  he  will  be  caught  at  last,  and  will  prove 
himself  to  be  either  proud,  foolish,  or  wicked. 

The  Ostrich  is  still  more  foolish,  if  possible,  in  think- 
ing that  because  she  shuts  her  own  eyes,  or  hides  her 
head  in  the  sand,  that  therefore,  others  cannot  see 
her.  But  still  we  find  that  foolish  and  wicked  people 
act  with  as  little  understanding  as  the  silly  Ostrich. 
They  say  to  themselves,  while  committing  crime  under 
the  darkness  of  the  night,  "  no  one  sees  me,  and  I  shall 
escape  punishm'ent  for  this  wickedness."  Or  in  the 
language  of  Scripture,  "  The  Lord  shall  not  see,  nei- 
ther shall  the  God  of  Jacob  regard  it."  But  such 
persons  should  remember  that  "  There  is  no  shadow 
of  darkness,  where  the  workers  of  iniquity  may  hide 
themselves,"  and  that  the  darkness  and  the  light  are 
both  alike  to  God. 


THE  CASSOWARY.  103 

THE  CASSOWARY. 

Haw  large  is  the  Cassowary  ? 

The  Cassowary,  next  to  the  Ostrich,  is  the  largest 
of  all  the  birds.  He  is  about  five  feet  arid  a  half  high 
from  the  ground  to  his  head. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

His  shape  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Ostrich,  but  his 
neck,  and  legs  are  not  so  long,  and  his  body  is  larger 
in  proportion.  His  wings,  like  those  of  the  Ostrich, 
are  so  short,  that  he  cannot  rise  from  the  ground. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  the  island  of  Java,  and  other 
parts  of  the  East  Indies, 

What  is  the  food  of  this  bird  ? 

The  Cassowary,  like  the  Ostrich,  has  a  most  vora- 
cious appetite,  arid  is  not  at  all  particular  in  respect  to 
his  food.  He  seems  to  be  grateful  for  any  thing  that 
is  thrown  him,  whether  it  be  leaden  bullets,  bits  of 
leather,  stones,  or  pieces  of  glass,  and  will  swallow 
any  of  these  substances,  as  though  they  were  the  best 
of  food.  He  however  lives  chiefly  on  nuts,  grass,  and 
insects. 

How  many  toes  has  the  Cassowary  ? 

This  bird  has  three  toes  on  each  foot,  all  of  which 
stand  forward. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  the  Cassowary  is  dark  yellowish 
grey.  The  ends  of  the  feathers  are  black,  but  towards 
the  roots  they  are  yellowish  white,  so  that  the  whole 
appears  yellowish  grey.  The  head  and  neck  are  naked, 
and  of  a  blue  colour. 


164  THE  CASSOWARY. 

How  long  are  his  wings  ? 

His  wings,  when  the  feathers  are  pulled  out,  are 
only  about  three  inches  long,  and  on  each  of  them 
there  are  five  sharp  spines,  or  thorns,  the  largest  of 
which  is  nearly  a  foot  long,  and  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
thick,  at  the  root.  These  are  hollow,  and  are  formed 
like  quills. 

Is  the  Cassowary  a  ferocious,  or  an  innocent  bird  ? 

This  great  bird  is  not  formed  for  seizing,  and  de- 
stroying other  animals.  His  claws  are  not  made  for 
grasping  his  prey,  nor  is  his  bill  made  for  tearing 
flesh.  But  his  feet  are  formed  for  walking,  and  his 
bill  for  picking  up  his  food  from  the  ground. 

The  bill  of  this  singular  bird  is  four  inches  long ; 
his  head  is  small,  and  on  its  cjown  there  grows  a 
large,  horny  substance,  of  a  black  colour,  which  gives 
him  a  frightful  appearance.  The  colour  of  his  eye  is 
bright  yellow,  and  the  eye  ball  being  an  inch  and  a  half 
across,  the  whole  aspect  of  the  head  is  exceedingly 
odd  and  fierce. 

About  the  middle  of  the  neck  there  are  two  large 
bunches  of  skin,  and  at  this  place  the  neck  is  surround- 
ed with  feathers  like  a  ruffle.  The  other  parts,  with 
the  exception  of  the  head  and  neck,  are  covered  with 
long  thin  feathers,  which  resemble  horse  hair.  This 
covering,  on  the.  back,  is  so  long  as  to  fall  down  the 
sides,  and  hide  the  upper  parts  of  the  legs. 

The  whole  appearance  of  the  Cassowary  is  fierce 
and  terrible,  and  one  who  did  not  know  his  character, 
would  nearly  as  soon  approach  a  lion,  as  go  near  him. 
But  his  conduct  and  habits  are  very  different  from 
what  one  might  expect  from  his  looks ;  for  instead  ^ 


THE  CASSOWARY.  165 

attacking  and  destroying  others,  he  seldom  fights,  ex- 
cept in  his  own  defence,  and  then  does  not  make  use 
of  his  bill,  but  kicks  like  a  horse,  or  runs  against  his 
pursuer,  and  having  beat  him  to  the  ground,  treads 
him  under  his  feet. 

The  first  Cassowary  ever  seen  in  Europe,  was 
brought  by  the  Dutch  from  the  island  of  Java,  about 
the  beginning  of  the  seventeenth  century.  This  bird 
was  shewn  at  Amsterdam  as  a  great  curiosity,  and 
was  afterwards  presented  to  the  emperor  of  Germany, 
as  a  rarity  proper  to  be  given  to  a  great  prince.  Ma- 
ny years  after  this,  another  bird  of  the  same  kind  was 
sent  from  Madagascar  by  the  governor  of  that  Island, 
to  the  king  of  France,  and  lived  four  years  after  its 
arrival.  Since  that  time,  these  birds  have  often  been 
exhibited  in  Europe  and  America  ;  and  at  the  present 
day  are  not  uncommon. 

Like  the  elephant  and  ostrich,  the  Cassowary  has 
never  been  known  to  raise  its  young,  out  of  their  na- 
tive country. 

A  Cassowary,  which  a  few  years  since  was  kept  at 
Paris,  eat  every  day  about  four  pounds  of  bread,  six 
or  seven  apples,  and  a  bunch  of  currants.  It  swallow- 
ed all  its  fuod  without  chewing  or  bruising,  and  drank 
from  four  to  five  pints  of  water  daily. 

This  bird  was  sometimes  ill-natured  and  mischiev- 
ous. He  was  angry  when  he  saw  any  person  ragged, 
dirty,  or  dressed  in  red  clothes,  and  would  vent  his 
spite  at  such  persons,  by  kicking  at  them  with  his  feet, 
and  in  that  way  would  give  very  hard,  and  even  dan- 
gerous blows. 

In  the  wild  state,  these  birds  lay  three  or  four  eggs, 
15* 


166  THE  WADERS. 

in  the  sand,  which,  in  the  hottest  climates  they  inhabit, 
are  said  to  be  hatched  entirely  by  the  heat  of  the  sun. 
But  in  countries  that  are  colder,  the  female  sits  upon 
her  eggs,  and  hatches  them,  like  other  birds. 


WATER  BIRDS. 

We  come  now  to  a  class  of  birds,  which  are  quite 
different  in  their  manners,  habits,  and  shapes,  from 
those  already  described.  Instead  of  living  among 
mountains  and  in  forests,  or  taking  up  their  abodes  in 
cultivated  fields,  or  about  the  habitations  of  men,  they 
are  to  be  found  out  at  sea,  or  along  the  shore,  or  in 
marshes  situated  on  the  borders  of  lakes  and  rivers. 

The  Water  Birds  may  be  divided  into  two  kinds, 
or  orders,  namely,  the  Waders  and  the  Swimmers. 

THE  WADERS. 

The  Waders  form  a  connecting  link  between  the 
Land  Birds  and  the  Swimmers.  They  do  not,  like 
the  Land  Birds,  wander  among  the  mountains  and 
forests,  nor,  like  the  Swimmers,  do  they  often  venture 
out  at  sea.  They  take  the  middle  place,  and  reside  in 
the  shallow  water  along  the  shore,  and  hence  they  are 
sometimes  found  in  company  with  both  kinds. 

The  Waders,  like  the  Land  Birds,  have  most  of 
them,  their  toes  divided  to  the  origin,  or  nearly  so, 
while  the  Swimmers  have  theirs  connected  by  a  web, 
or  membrane,  which  serves,  instead  of  a  paddle,  to 


THE  CRANE.  167 

force  them  through  the  water.  Some  of  the  Waders 
have  a  small  membrane  towards  the  roots  of  the  toes, 
which  enables  them  to  swim  when  necessary.  Most 
of  them  have  legs  of  uncommon  length,  so  that  they 
can  walk  about  in  the  water ;  and  also  long  necks,  by 
means  of  which  they  search  the  bottom  for  food. 

To  this  Order  of  Birds  belong  the  Cranes,  Storks, 
Herons,  Bitterns,  Snipes,  and  others. 


THE  CRANE. 

The  Cranes  have  long  legs,  long  necks,  and  long, 
sharp  bills.  Their  toes  are  four  in  number,  and  are 
connected  by  a  membrane,  as  far  as  the  second  joint. 

The  Cranes  may  in  general  be  known  from  the 
herons,  by  their  greater  size,  by  their  comparatively 
shorter  bills,  by  their  having  no  extra  feathers  on  the 
head,  and  by  the  broad  flag-like  plumage  which  rises 
from  the  backhand  projects  over  the  tail.  These  birds 
live  chiefly  on  fish,  which  they  catch  by  striking  them 
with  their  bills.  They  differ  considerably  in  respect 
to  size,  but  all  of  them  have  similar  habits. 

THE  WHOOPING  CRANE. 

How  large  a  bird  is  the  Whooping  Crane  ? 

The  Whooping  Crane  is  four  feet  and  a  half  in 
length,  from  the  point  of  the  bill  to  the  tail.  When 
standing,  his  head  is  five  feet  from  the  ground  ;  and 
his  bill  is  six  inches  long. 


168  THE  CRANE. 

What  is  the  form  of  this  bird  ? 

Of  all  the  Crane  tribe,  this  is  by  far  the  most  come- 
ly. His  body,  neck,  head,  and  bill,  are  in  fine  propor- 
tion to  each  other,  and  the  long,  flowing  feathers 
which  arise  from  his  back,  and  hang  over  the  tail,  give 
him  an  air  of  elegance  that  few  birds  possess. 

What  colour  is  this  Crane  ? 

The  colour  of  this  Crane  is  chiefly  ash  white ;  the 
bill  is  yellow  ;  above  and  below  the  eyes,  there  are 
two  stripes,  of  an  ash  colour,  which  meet  at  the  root 
of  the  bill.  The  legs,  and  quill  feathers  are  black. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

The  Whooping  Crane  is  occasionally  seen  on  the 
sea  shore  of  the  American  continent,  from  Cape  Horn 
to  Canada.  From  these  shores  it  migrates  to  the 
north,  and  spends  a  part  of  its  time  among  the  regions 
of  perpetual  ice  and  snow. 

Of  all  the  feathered  tribes  which  visit  the  United 
States  of  America,  the  Whooping  Crane  is  the  largest 
and  most  stately.  These  birds  are  seen  on  our  sea- 
coasts,  and  in  low,  marshy  places,  chiefly  during  the 
winter  season.  About  such  places,  they  may  be  seen 
watching  with  the  most  unwearied  patience  in  search 
of  small  fish,  and  worms,  which  are  their  principal 
food  ;  they  also  occasionally  eat  mice,  moles,  and 
probably  frogs.  Now  and  then  they  rise,  and  sail 
with  a  slow  and  heavy  flight,  from  one  fishing  place 
to  another,  making,  when  a  person  is  near  them,  a 
very  formidable  appearance. 

Their  migrations  are  of  the  most  extensive  kind, 
reaching  to  a  distance  equal  to  more  than  a  third  of 
the  circumference  of  the  globe,  from  north  to  south. 


THE  CRANE.  169 

In  the  spring,  or  latter  part  of  the  winter,  they  set  out 
on  their  vast  periodical  journies,  which  end  in  the 
frozen  regions  of  Greenland  and  Iceland  ;  and  in  the 
autumn  they  return  to  the  warmer  climates  of  the 
south.  During  these  journies  they  fly  at  such  an  im-' 
mense  height  in  the  air,  as  seldom  to  be  seen,  but 
their  voices  are  so  loud,  as  often  to  be  heard,  when 
the  eye  cannot  discover  them. 

When  started,  and  obliged  to  take  wing,  they  make 
a  sharp,  piercing  cry,  which  may  be  heard  two  or 
three  miles,  after  which,  the  tone  is  changed  into  a 
kind  of  whooping  sound,  from  which  the  name 
Whooping  Crane  is  derived. 

When  wounded,  they  do  not  try  to  escape  the  gun- 
ner, or  his  dog,  but  when  approached,  boldly  attack 
both,  with  great  resolution  and  strength  ;  nor  is  such 
a  contest  always  safe  for  the  man.  The  sharpness  of 
their  bills,  and  the  great  force  with  which  their  long 
necks  enable  them  to  strike,  sometimes  produce  dread- 
ful consequences. 

A  young  man  having  wounded  one  of  these  birds, 
rashly  went  too  near,  when  the  formidable  creature 
commenced  the  attack,  by  aiming  a  blow  with  its  bill, 
directly  at  his  eye.  In  the  struggle  to  get  away  from 
such  an  enemy,  the  eye-ball  was  torn  nearly  from  the 
socket,  and  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say,  that  the  sight 
was  entirely  lost.  In  another  instance,  one  of  these 
birds  struck  a  man  with  such  force,  as  to  drive  its  bill 
entirely  through  his  hand. 

There  is  a  belief,  that  the  manner  in  which  a  flock 
of  Cranes  fly,  foretells  a  change  of  weather.  If,  in 
the  morning,  or  evening,  they  rise  upwards,  and  fly 


170  THE  CRANE. 

peacefully  in  a  body,  it  is  a  sign  of  fine  weather ;  but 
if  they  fly  low,  or  alight  on  the  ground,  it  is  said  to 
be  a  sure  indication  of  a  storm  or  tempest.  Nor  is  it 
improbable  that  this  is  true ;  since  the  same  natural 
instinct  which  leads  this  bird  to  know  when  to  begin 
its  yearly  flight,  might  also  teach  it  how  to  shun  a 
coming  storm. 

These  birds  rear  their  young  in  the  regions  of  the 
north.  Their  nests  are  placed  on  the  ground,  amidst 
the  most  solitary  and  dreary  swamps,  and  their  eggs 
are  only  two  in  number. 

The  Cranes  are  remarkably  accurate  in  observing 
the  time  when  their  long  voyages  are  to  begin,  and 
they  discover  much  sagacity  in  arranging  themselves 
in  the  best  manner  for  their  flight.  Each  flock  takes 
the  form  of  the  letter  V,  moving  through  the  air  with 
the  sharp  end  forward,  and  being  led  by  a  particular 
one,  probably  on  account  of  his  age  and  experience. 
In  case  of  contrary  winds,  they  move  in  such  close 
order  as  to  appear  as  one  body,  thus  taking  the  form 
which  least  impedes  their  flight. 

The  accuracy  with  which  the  Crane  observes  the 
time  of  her  flight,  is  taken  notice  of  in  the  Scriptures. 
"  The  Crane  and  the  Swallow  observe  the  time  of 
their  coming ;  but  my  people  know  not  the  judgment 
of  the  Lord."  Jeremiah,  chap.  8,  verse  7. 

This  was  a  sharp  reproof  of  the  conduct  of  the  Jews, 
who,  though  they  had  seen  the  mighty  works  of  the 
Lord,  were  yet  less  mindful  of  his  commands,  than 
were  the  birds  of  the  air  to  the  stated  times  of  their 
migrations. 


THE  STORK.  171 

THE  STORK. 

What  kind  of  a  bird  is  the  Stork  ? 

The  Stork  is  a  bird  of  the  crane  kind. 

How  large  is  the  Stork  ? 

This  bird  is  of  considerable  size,  measuring  three 
feet  in  length,  and  about  six  feet  in  extent ;  his  bill  is 
about  eight  inches  long. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  his  neck,  breast,  and  back  is  white  ; 
the  quill  feathers  are  black ;  the  bill  and  legs  are  red, 
and  around  the  eye  there  is  a  spot  of  dark  brown. 

W  hat  is  the  shape  of  the  Stork  ? 

The  shape  of  the  Stork  is  similar  to  that  of  the 
crane  ;  but  his  body  is  larger,  and  his  legs  not  so  long 
as  those  of  the  crane. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  3 

This  celebrated  bird  fe  found  in  many  parts  of  Eu- 
rope, and  in  Asia  ;  but  is  particularly  fond  of  Germa- 
ny, and  especially  the  low  countries  of  Holland. 

In  Holland,  and  in  some  other  countries,  Storks  are 
protected  from  injury  by  law.  These  birds,  therefore, 
become  quite  familiar  with  the  habitations  of  man, 
and  in  many  jnstances,  are  so  far  domesticated  as  to 
walk  about  the  streets  without  concern,  and  pick  up 
whatever  food  they  can  find. 

They  live  chiefly  on  frogs,  serpents  and  lizards,  but 
when  tamed,  they  will  eat  any  kind  of  meat  that  is 
thrown  them.  In  Egypt  and  Palestine,  Storks  are 
considered  of  great  value,  on  account  of  their  destroy- 
ing rats,  and  mice,  which,  were  it  not  for  these  birds, 
would  become  so  numerous,  as  to  injure  the  harvest. 

This  bird  is  of  a  mild  and  pleasant  disposition,  and 


172  THE  STORK. 

may  be  easily  tamed,  and  trained  to  reside  in  gardens, 
which  it  will  always  keep  clear  of  insects  and  reptiles. 
The  Stork  builds  her  nest  on  the  tops  of  houses,  or 
churches,  and  often  in  the  midst  of  cities.  In  Holland, 
the  people  prepare  boxes  for  them  to  build  in,  as  we 
do  for  the  martens.  These  birds  also  build  in  forests, 
always  selecting  the  tallest  trees  for  this  purpose. 

The  nest  is  constructed  with  admirable  skill  and 
great  labour.  The  materials  of  which  it  is  built,  are 
dry  sticks  from  the  woods,  and  coarse  grass  from  the 
'  marshes.  Throughout  the  whole  progress  of  building, 
every  thing  is  done  in  the  most  exact  and  workman- 
like manner,  and  when  the  structure  is  finished,  she 
examines  every  part  of  it,  tries  its  firmness  with  her 
bill, — supplies  any  defects  which  she  observes, — 
breaks  off  any  ill-looking  part,  and  does  not  occupy 
it  until  the  whole  agrees  with  her  ideas  of  comfort 
and  safety. 

The  natural  history  of  the  Stork,  seems  to  have 
been  well  known  to  the  sacred  writers  ;  and  she  ap- 
pears in  all  ages  to  have  been  a  particular  favourite 
with  mankind.  The  mutual  love  which  a  pair  of  these 
birds  bear  towards  each  other, — the  care  which  they 
take  of  their  young,  and  the  tenderness  with  which 
they  treat  their  parents  in  old  age,  have  been  celebra- 
ted as  examples  worthy  to  be  imitated  by  human 
beings. 

The  Stork  never  deserts  its  parents,  but  defends 
and  feeds  them  with  the  utmost  tenderness,  particu- 
larly when  they  grow  old,  and  unable  to  take  care  of 
themselves. 

A  Danish  author  gives,  from  his  own  observations, 


THE  STORK.  173 

some  interesting  particulars  concerning  this  bird.  In 
Denmark,  they  build  their  nests  among  clusters  of 
trees,  many  of  them  associating  together,  and  forming 
a  sort  of  community.  If  any  animal  comes  near  this 
place,  particularly  while  the  females  are  sitting,  the 
whole  society  become  alarmed,  and  they  go  out  and 
commence  the  attack  in  a  body.  When  the  young- 
are  hatched,  the  parents  watch  and  feed  them,  with 
the  utmost  anxiety  and  care.  They  never  leave  them 
alone,  but  when  one  goes  away  in  search  of  food,  the 
other  stays  at  the  nest,  to  see  that  they  are  warm,  and 
that  no  other  animal  comes  near  them. 

When  the  young  are  able  to  fly,  the  parents  take 
them  out  for  exercise  during  the  day,  but  bring  them 
back  at  night.  In  due  time  they  lead  them  to  the 
marshes,  and  point  out  to  them  their  proper  food,  such 
as  frogs,  serpents^  and  lizards.  They  also  seek  out 
toads,  which  they  do  not  eat,  and  take  great  pains  lo 
learn  their  young  to  distinguish  between  these  rep- 
tiles and  their  proper  food. 

At  the  end  of  autumn,  these  birds  come  together  in 
a  body,  and  prepare  for  their  annual  migration.  Be- 
fore they  begin  their  flight,  they  arrange  themselves  in 
due  order,  the  old  ones  leading  in  front,  then  the  young 
ones  in  the  middle,  and  then  again  a  party  of  old 
ones  as  a  rear  guard.  In  this  order  they  set  out  on 
their  journey. 

When  they  return  in  the  spring,  the  people  assemble 
in  crowds  to  welcome  them  as  the  harbingers  of  sum- 
mer.    At  this  time,  it  is  not  uncommon  to  see  several 
16 


174  THE  STORK. 

of  the  old  birds,  which  are  feeble  and  fatigued  with 
their  long  journey,  resting  on  the  backs  of  the  younger 
ones. 

These  aged  parents,  it  is  said,  are  laid  carefully  on 
their  old  nests,  where  they  are  fed  and  cherished  by 
the  young  ones,  which  they  reared  with  so  much 
tenderness  the  year  before. 

Thus  we  see  that  the  general  character  of  the  Stork 
is  worthy  of  the  highest  praise.  But  we  are  sorry  to 
say  that  he  sometimes  behaves  in  a  manner  not  so 
worthy  of  approbation,  for  when  insulted,  he  does  not 
forgive  the  injury,  but  seeks  the  first  opportunity  of 
taking  revenge  on  his  enemy. 

A  farmer,  near  Hamburgh,  in  Germany,  had  a  tame 
Stork,  which  lived  for  several  years  in  the  yard  with 
his  poultry.     This  bird,  from  his  size,  and  the  influ- 
ence he  exerted  among  the  geese,  ducks,  and  chick- 
ens, had  become  a  kind  of  captain  among  them,  arid 
therefore,  like  other  commanders,  was  quite  jealous 
of  encroachments  on  his  own  ground.     It  happened, 
however,  that  the  farmer,  not  sufficiently  aware  of 
this  circumstance,  brought  a  wild  Stork  into  the  yard, 
as  a  companion  for  the  tame  one.     This  was  exceed- 
ingly provoking  to  the  tame  Stork,  who  was  far  from 
wishing  to  divide  his  influence  with  a  rival;  he  there- 
fore, without  considering  who  was  to  blame,  fell  upon 
the  poor  stranger,  and  beat  him  so  unmercifully  that 
he  escaped  with  difficulty,  but  finally  took  wing  and 
left  the  place.     But  this  piece  of  ill  treatment  the 
stranger  did  not  forget,  nor  forgive,  for  about  four 
months  afterwards  he  revenged  himself  in  the  most 


THE  STORK.  175 

cruel  manner  for  the  insult.  Having  recovered  from 
his  wounds,  he  came  to  the  poultry-yard,  attended  by 
three  other  Storks,  and  no  sooner  had  they  alighted, 
than  they  all  four  fell  upon  the  tame  Stork,  and  beat 
him  with  such  violence,  that  he  died  on  the  spot. 

The  Stork  was  spoken  of  by  the  ancients  with  a 
degree  of  respect  bordering  on  veneration.  Its  name, 
in  the  Hebrew  language,  signifies  pious,  or  merciful, 
and  it  was  so  named  on  account  of  the  exemplary 
care  with  which  these  birds  watch  over  their  aged 
parents. 

This  bird  is  mentioned  in  the  104th  Psalm,  verse 
17.  "As  for  the  Stork,  the  fir  trees  are  her  house." 

It  is  believed,  that  there  is  not  a  reference  in  the 
Scriptures,  to  any  animal  whose  natural  history  is 
known,  but  what  is  found  to  be  strikingly  appropriate 
and  true.  In  the  present  instance,  the  place  inhabited 
by  the  Stork  is  very  properly  called  her  house,  since 
it  is  built  with  much  more  than  common  care  and 
skill. 

In  the  East,  where  the  sacred  writer  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  manners  and  habits  of  this  bird,  the 
houses  are  built  with  flat  roofs,  and  are  occupied  by 
the  inhabitants  in  the  summer  as  sleeping  places. 
The  Stork  was  therefore  compelled  to  go  to  the  forest, 
where  she  built  her  nest  in  the  fir  tree,  instead  of 
making  it  on  the  roofs  of  houses,  as  she  does  in  Hol- 
land, and  in  other  countries.  We  have  already  stated, 
that  when  this  bird  builds  in  the  woods,  she  selects  the 
tallest  trees  for  this  purpose,  and  it  is  well  known  that 
the  fir,  is  one  which  answers  this  description.  The 


176  THE  STORK. 

passage  is  therefore,  an  appropriate  reference  to  the 
natural  habits  of  this  bird. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  call  upon  parents  to  imi- 
tate the  Stork  in  the  care  of  their  offspring ;  for  the 
feelings  of  fathers  and  mothers  towards  their  children, 
and  the  interest  they  take  in  their  welfare,  are  suffi- 
cient reasons  why  they  should  do  every  thing  for  them 
in  their  power.  Children,  indeed,  know  very  little 
how  much  anxiety  and  concern  they  have  occasioned 
their  parents  during  their  infancy  and  childhood.  The 
most  generous  actions,  and  the  most  persevering 
kindness,  though  shewing  in  the  highest  degree,  both 
filial  piety  and  grateful  feelings,  can  never  repay  the 
debt  which  a  child  owes  his  parents.  For  to  them, 
under  God,  he  not  only  owes  his  very  existence,  but 
every  comfort  during  years  of  helpless  infancy. 

Let  children,  then,  imitate  the  Stork,  by  rendering 
all  due  obedience  to  their  parents,  and  when  they  be- 
come aged,  feeble,  and  perhaps  childish,  let  them  de- 
light in  doing  every  thing  in  their  power  to  make  their 
latter  days  comfortable  and  happy.  In  doing  this, 
children  not  only  do  all  they  can  to  pay  a  debt  of 
gratitude,  which  they  are  bound  as  far  as  possible  to 
pay,  but  they  perform  a  duty  which  meets  the  appro- 
bation of  Heaven.  "  Honour  thy  father,  and  thy  mo- 
ther, which  is  the  first  commandment  with  promise/* 


THE  HERON.  177 

THE  HERON. 

The  Herons  very  nearly  resemble  the  cranes,  both 
in  appearance,  and  habits.  They  are  all  waders,  and 
live  chiefly  on  fish,  and  other  food  which  they  take 
from  the  water.  They  have  long  necks,  long  legs,  and 
long  sharp  bills,  all  of  which  are  finely  adapted  to  their 
mode  of  life.  The  Herons  are  generally  less  in  size 
than  the  cranes,  and  may  be  distinguished  from  them 
by  the  long  feathers  on  the  crown  of  the  head.  They 
are  a  very  numerous  tribe  of  birds,  the  number  of 
species  and  varieties  being  nearly  one  hundred,  and 
some  of  them  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  part  of 
world. 

THE  GREAT  HERON. 

How  large  is  the  Great  Heron  ? 

The  Great  Heron  is  five  feet  and  four  inches  high 
from  the  ground  to  his  head,  and  about  six  feet  in  ex- 
tent, with  his  wings  spread ;  his  bill  is  eight  inches 
long. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

The  colours  of  this  bird,  give  him  a  very  singular 
appearance.  The  crest,  the  lower  parts  of  the  legs, 
the  quill  feathers,  and  the  fore  part  of  the  neck  are 
black ;  upper  part  of  the  back,  tail  and  wings,  bluish 
slate  colour ;  on  the  back  and  breast  there  grow  long 
hair-like  feathers,  which  are  white  ;  throat  and  crown 
of  the  head,  white  ;  back  part  of  the  neck  light  brown  ; 
the  bill  is  yellow. 

Where  is  the  Great  Heron  found? 

The  Great  Heron  is  an  American  bird,  and  inhabits 
16* 


178  THE  HERON. 

all  the  sea  coast  from  Connecticut  to  Florida.  This 
is  not,  like  most  of  the  tribe,  a  bird  of  passage,  but  a 
constant  inhabitant  of  the  country. 

The  Great  Herons  build  their  nests  and  rear  their 
young  in  the  Carolirias  and  other  southern  states. — 
Their  places  of  building  are  solitary  cedar  swamps, 
where  each  bird  selects  the  tallest  tree  she  can  find, 
and  makes  her  nest  on  its  top.  The  materials  are 
chiefly  dry  sticks,  with  small  twigs  for  the  lining  of 
the  inside.  A  dozen  pair  or  more  often  build  in  the 
same  neighbourhood. 

The  principal  food  of  this  Heron  is  fish,  which  it 
catches  with  much  skill  and  dexterity.  He  will  stand 
at  the  edge  of  the  water,  with  his  neck  curved  in  the 
form  of  an  S,  sometimes  perfectly  still  for  hours,  watch- 
ing for  his  prey.  But  when  a  fish  comes  within  his 
reach,  he  unbends  his  neck  and  darts  upon  it  with  such 
sure  aim,  and  surprising  swiftness,  that  there  is  no 
chance  of  escape.  He  is  also  fond  of  mice,  grasshop- 
pers, and  frogs. 

This  Heron  has  great  strength  of  wing,  and  when 
on  a  journey,  flies  very  high  in  the  air.  They  are  of- 
ten seen  far  inland,  winging  their  way  from  the  lakes 
to  the  ocean.  On  these  occasions  they  move  slowly, 
but  in  a  straight  and  business-like  manner,  neither 
turning,  nor  looking,  to  the  right  or  left. 

These  birds  are  exceedingly  shy,  and  very  fearful 
of  the  presence  of  man.  When  they  light,  it  is  com- 
monly in  the  middle  of  some  extensive  marsh,  where 
they  can  see  the  approach  of  a  gunner  at  a  long  dis- 
tance, and  they  generally  take  care  that  he  does  riot 
come  too  near  them. 


THE  BITTERN.  179 

The  Great  Heron,  if  taken  young,  may  be  tamed 
without  difficulty,  but  the  old  ones  refuse  all  kinds  of 
food  when  in  captivity,  and  if  not  set  free,  will  soon 
pine  away  and  die. 

The  Herons  are  the  most  voracious  of  all  eaters,  the 
number  of  fish  they  devour  being  almost  incredible. — 
The  English  Heron  wreighs  only  four  pounds,  and  yet 
Willoughby  says  he  has  known  one  of  them  to  eat  six- 
teen carp  at  a  meal;  and  Mr.  Bingley  states,  that  a 
bird  of  this  kind,  one  day  with  another,  was  known 
to  eat  fifty  fish,  of  moderate  size. 


THE  BITTERN. 

The  Bitterns  are  a  tribe  of  birds,  which  possess  char- 
acters arid  habits  similar  to  those  of  the  cranes  and 
herons.  They  live  on  fish  and  insect?,  and  inhabit 
swamps  and  marshes,  as  well  as  the  sea  shore.  They 
are  smaller  in  size  than  the  herons,  but  not  so  slender. 
Their  bills  are  exceedingly  sharp,  and  they  are  very 
expert  at  catching  fish  and  insects. 

AMERICAN  BITTERN. 

How  large  is  the  American  Bittern  ? 

The  American  Bittern  is  three  feet  three  inches 
long  from  the  bill  to  the  tail ;  and  with  the  wings 
spread,  three  feet  and  a  half  in  extent. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  the  neck,  breast,  and  under  parts  of 
this  bird  is  yellowish  brown,  spotted  with  dark  brown ; 


180  THE  FLAMINGO. 

the  throat  is  white,  spotted  with  black ;  the  wings 
black  marbled  with  yellow,  except  the  ends,  which 
are  entirely  black ;  there  is  also  a  patch  of  black  across 
the  neck,  near  the  head. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  Bittern  inhabits  most  parts  cf  the  United 
States. 

It  is  exceedingly  solitary  in  its  habits,  generally  re- 
siding in  some  thick  swamp,  or  among  the  high  grass 
near  the  sea  shore.  It  is  not  an  uncommon  bird,  and 
still  is  never  seen  in  any  considerable  numbers.  It 
hides  itself  during  the  day,  and  unless  disturbed,  feeds 
and  flies  only  at  evening,  or  during  the  night.  In  some 
parts  of  the  country,  this  bird  is  known  by  the  name 
of  Indian  hen.  It  builds  its  nest  among  the  grass,  in 
swamps,  in  the  most  secret  and  retired  situations,  and 
its  young,  when  first  hatched,  are  said  to  be  black, 


THE  FLAMINGO. 

The  Flamingo  tribe  are  formed,  in  some  respects, 
like  the  Waders,  and  in  others  like  the  Swimmers. — 
Their  legs  and  necks  are  long  like  the  first,  and  they 
are  web  footed  like  the  last.  In  their  habits  and  man- 
ners, they  however  most  resemble  the  Waders. 

THE  RED  FLAMINGO, 

How  large  is  the  Red  Flamingo? 

The  Red  Flamingo  is  six  feet  long,  from  the  feet  to 
the  end  of  the  bill ;  and  from  the  bill  to  the  end  of  the 


THE  FLAMINGO.  181 

tail,  four  feet  three  inches. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

The  shape  of  this  bird  is  so  peculiar,  that  without 
good  authority,  no  one  would  believe  that  nature  ever 
formed  a  creature  so  disproportionate  ;  it  being  chiefly 
made  up  of  legs  and  neck.  Every  part  is  small  in 
proportion  to  the  length,  except  the  head,  which  seems 
too  large  to  be  supported  by  so  slender  a  neck. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird? 

This  Flamingo,  as  its  name  implies,  is  of  a  red  col- 
our, which  is  very  deep  and  beautiful.  The  bill  to- 
wards the  end,  is  black,  and  from  thence  to  the  root  is 
yellow.  The  quill  feathers  are  also  black.  But  eve- 
ry part  of  the  bird  except  these  is  scarlet  red. 

Where  is  this  bird  found? 

The  Red  Flamingo  is  found  in  most  warm  climates. 
It  is  seen  every  where  on  the  coast  of  Africa  and  in 
South  America,  and  also  in  the  We'st  Indies  and  on 
the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  sea. 

The  body  of  the  Flamingo  is  not  larger  than  that  of 
a  goose,  but  this  is  lifted  up  on  a  pair  of  red  legs  near- 
ly three  feet  into  the  air,  while  the  neck  is  so  long  as 
easily  to  reach  the  ground  from  this  height.  As  they 
stand  and  walk  with  their  heads  erect,  a  flock  of  them 
at  a  distance,  is  said  to  appear  like  a  regiment  of  sol- 
diers. They  feed  on  small  fish  and  water  insects, 
which  they  catch  by  plunging  their  heads  into  the  wa- 
ter. Now  and  then  they  trample  in  the  mud  with 
their  feet,  in  order  to  start  their  prey. 

It  is  said  that  when  Europeans  first  landed  on  the 
shores  of  South  America,  they  found  these  birds  so 
tame  and  gentle  as  hardly  to  move  out  of  the  way  when 
they  came  near  them.  They  were  not  acquainted 


182  THE  SNIPE. 

with  men,  and  therefore  did  not  suspect  any  harm 
from  them.  If  one  of  their  number  was  shot  down, 
the  rest  of  the  flock,  instead  of  flying  away,  looked  at 
their  fallen  companion  with  a  kind  of  stupid  astonish- 
ment, probably  having  never  seen  the  like  before. — 
But  these  poor  birds  soon  learned  by  sorrowful  expe- 
rience, that  men  are  not  to  be  trusted,  and  at  the  pres- 
ent day,  no  animal  is  more  shy,  or  watchful  of  their  ap- 
proach, than  the  Flamingo.  When  a  flock  of  them  are 
feeding,  they  take  care  to  set  a  watch,  which  shall  be 
ready  to  give  warning,  when  any  danger  comes  near. 
If  the  guard  discover  any  thing  uncommon,  they  utter 
a  loud  scream,  which  sounds  like  a  trumpet,  and  on 
hearing  this,  the  whole  flock  are  instantly  on  the  wing. 
The  nest  of  this  bird  is  of  a  very  singular  construc- 
tion. It  is  formed  of  mud,  in  the  shape  of  a  little  hill, 
with  a  cavity  in  the  top.  This  hill  is  made  so  high, 
that  when  the  bird  is  sitting  on  her  eggs,  she  can  let 
her  legs  fall  down  over  the  side,  instead  of  placing  them 
under  her,  like  other  birds.  In  this  manner  she  sits 
with  her  legs  at  full  length  on  one  side  of  her  nest. — 
Sometimes,  it  is  said,  she  saves  herself  the  trouble  of 
building  a  nest,  by  finding  a  hollow  near  the  edge  of 
some  rock,  where  she  lays  her  eggs,  and  lets  her  legs 
hang  over  the  side,  while  she  sits  on  them. 


THE  SNIPE. 

This  tribe  of  birds  have  long  legs,  and  long  bills, 

their  necks  being  of  moderate  length.  They  are  much 

smaller  than  the  cranes  and  hercns.  Some  of  them 


THE  SNIPE.  183 

live  on  the  sea  shore,  and  about  salt  marshes,  while 
others  reside  far  inland  on  the  borders  of  lakes,  rivers 
and  ponds.  This  tribe  includes  the  Common  Snipe, 
the  Curlew,  the  Woodcock,  and  many  other  species. 
In  general  their  shapes  and  habits  are  similar,  though 
they  differ  in  size,  and  more  or  less  in  colour. 

THE  LONG-BILLED  CURLEW. 

How  large  is  the  Long-Billed  Curlew? 

The  Long-billed  Curlew,  is  two  feet  in  length,  and 
in  extent,  three  feet  three  inches.  The  bill  is  eight 
inches  long,  and  crooked  towards  the  end. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird? 

The  colour  of  this  bird  on  the  upper  parts  is  black, 
spotted  with  pale  brown ;  neck  reddish  brown,  sprink- 
led with  black ;  under  parts  pale  brown ;  throat  and 
about  the  eyes,  white  ;  legs,  pale  blue,  and  bill  black, 
except  near  the  root  of  the  lower  mandible,  where  it  is 
yellow. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

In  the  shape  of  this  bird  there  is  nothing  peculiar, 
except  the  length  of  the  bill,  which  is  somewhat  longer 
than  its  whole  body. 

Where  is  this  bird  to  be  found  ? 

The  Long-billed  Curlew  is  a  native  of  America, 
and  it  is  believed,  is  found  no  where  else. 

This  bird  inhabits  chiefly,  the  salt  marshes  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  sea,  but  is  also,  sometimes  seen  on  the 
shores  of  the  lakes  and  rivers  in  the  interior. 

When  on  the  sea  shore,  their  food  consists  of  small 
crabs,  and  snails,  which  they  obtain  by  running  their 
bills  into  the  sand.  When  away  from  the  sea,  they 
eat  insects  and  various  kinds  of  berries.  Those  taken 


184  THE  CURLEW. 

at  a  distance  from  salt  marshes,  are  highly  esteemed 
as  food,  having  none  of  that  marshy  taste,  which  is  so 
disagreeable  in  those  taken  near  the  sea  shore. 

These  birds,  during  the  autumn,  assemble  in  flocks, 
and  are  seen  flying  high  in  the  air,  generally  in  the 
form  of  the  letter  V,  now  and  then  uttering  a  loud 
whistling  note.  They  fly  with  great  swiftness,  and 
when  about  to  light,  make  several  whirls  around  the 
spot,  before  their  descent  to  the  ground. 

The  Curlew  migrates  during  the  month  of  October, 
towards  the  south,  and  spends  its  winter  in  a  warm 
climate. 

We  have  already  mentioned  several  striking  instan- 
ces of  the  adaptation  of  the  forms  of  birds  to  their 
peculiar  modes  of  life,  and  perhaps  there  is  not  in  this 
respect,  a  more  striking  instance  than  that  of  the 
Curlew. 

In  general,  it  is  the  law  of  nature  in  the  formation 
of  birds,  and  especially  the  Waders,  that  long  legs 
should  have  long  necks,  to  correspond  with  them. 
Were  this  not  the  case,  it  is  obvious  that  the  form 
would  be  very  defective  and  inconvenient,  since  the 
elevation  of  the  body,  without  a  neck  of  sufficient 
length  to  reach  the  ground,  would  prevent  the  bird 
from  gathering  its  food.     In  the  Curlew,  the  legs  are 
quite  long,  but  the  neck  is  short,  and  as  a  compensa- 
tion for  what  might  at  first  be   considered  a  defect, 
the  bill  is  lengthened  out  to  such  an  extent,  as  to  seem 
out  of  all  proportion  to  the  other  parts  ;  and  it  is  in 
consequence  of  this  disproportion,  that  the  bird  is 
enabled  to  reach  the  ground  and  gather  his  food. 
But  the  shortness  of  the  neck,  instead  of  being  a,  de~ 


THE  SPOON-BILL.  185 

feet  is  undoubtedly  a  perfection,  since  this  bird  gathers 
a  part  of  its  food  by  probing  the  sand  arid  mud  with 
its  long  bill.  A  short  neck,  therefore,  for  this  purpose, 
is  an  advantage,  as'  it  is  much  stronger  and  more  ef- 
fective than  a  long  one  in  introducing  the  bill  to  search 
for  food. 

We  see,  therefore,  that  although  we  may,  at  first 
thought,  set  down  some  of  the  works  of  the  Creator 
as  unbecoming  or  defective,  still,  when  we  come  to 
inquire  into  their  use,  we  cannot  fail  to  see  their 
perfection,  and  admire  the  wisdom  of  the  Maker. 


THE  SPOOX-BILL. 

The  Spoon-bill  tribe,  like  the  cranes,  have  long  legs, 
and  long  necks,  and  like  them  wade  in  shallow  water, 
and  live  by  gathering  their  food  from  the  bottom. 
They  do  not  appear  to  be  a  very  peculiar  race,  ex- 
cept in  the  shape  of  their  bills,  which  are  long,  large, 
and  swell  out  at  the  end  in  the  form  of  a  spoon,  and 
hence  the  name  spoon  bill.  The  several  species  of 
this  family  have  similar  habits  and  manners,  and  dif- 
fer little  from  each  other,  except  in  size  and  colour. 

THE  ROSEATE  SPOON-BILL. 

How  large  is  the  Roseate  Spoon-bill  ? 

The  Roseate  Spoon-bill  is  two  feet  and  a  half  long, 
and,  with  the  wings  spread,  four  feet  in  extent. 

What  is  its  colour  ? 

Its  prevailing  colour  is  that  of  a  pale  rose  ;  the  neck 
17 


?C«  THE  SPOON-BILL. 

is  white  ;  the  upper  part  of  the  bill  is  black  ;  the  fore- 
head green  ;  around  and  below  the  eye,  orange ;  and 
the  tail  brownish  yellow. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Roseate  Spoon-bill  is  found  on  the  American 
coast,  from  Georgia  to  Brazil. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

The  shape  of  this  bird,  except  the  bill,  is  similar  to 
that  of  the  crane,  but  the  peculiar  shape  and  great  size 
of  this  part  gives  the  Spoon-bill  a  very  singular  ap- 
pearance. 

The  billof  the  present  species  is  about  seven  inches 
long,  and  so  large  at  the  upper  part,  as  to  appear  like 
a  continuation  of  the  head  itself.  From  the  upper  part 
it  grows  smaller  downward,  but  towards  the  end 
spreads  out  again  to  the  width  of  two  inches  and  a 
a  half. 

The  head  is  entirely  naked  of  feathers,  and  the  neck 
is  so  slightly  covered,  as  every  where  to  shew  the 
skin. 

A  bird  so  singularly  made  might  be  supposed  to 
possess  some  peculiar  qualities,  or  habits,  but  the 
Spoon-bill,  so  far  as  is  known,  leads  a  life  quite  similar 
to  the  crane  and  other  waders.  It  is,  however,  prob- 
able that  there  is  some  especial  advantage  which  the 
bird  derives  from  the  size  and  shape  of  bis  bill,  be- 
cause nature  does  not  furnish  such  peculiar  appenda- 
ges, without  some  useful  design. 

This  bird,  when  on  the  sea-shore,  lives  entirely  oh 
fish,  but  away  from  the  sea,  he  eats  frogs,  and  insect*. 
At  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Spoon-bills  are  tamed, 
and  make  themselves  useful  in  the  houses,  by  destroy- 
ing insects  and  reptiles. 


THE  RAIL.  187 

THE  RAIL. 

The  Rail  tribe  are  small  in  size,  when  compared 
with  the  birds  just  described  ;  but  they  are  very  active^ 
arid  quick  in  their  motions,  some  of  them  being  able 
to  run  with  surprising  swiftness.  They  live  on  snails 
and  insects  which  they  find  about  marshes.  They 
build  their  nests  on  the  ground,  and  raise  a  large 
brood.  They  are  a  numerous  race,  some  of  the  spe- 
cies being  found  in  almost  every  country.  One  or 
two  kinds  are  considered  among  the  most  delicate 
morsels  for  the  table. 

THE  CLAPPER  RAIL. 

How  large  is  the  Clapper  Rail  ? 

The  Clapper  Rail  measures  fourteen  inches  in 
length,  and  with  the  wings  spread,  eighteen  inches  in 
extent.  Its  bill  is  a  little  more  than  two  inches  long. 

What  colour  is  this  bird  ? 

Its  prevailing  colour  is  dark  brown,  which  on  the 
tipper  parts  is  nearly  black,  spotted  with  light  brown. 
The  under  parts  are  lighter  brown,  and  the  throat  is 
white. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  Rail  ? 

The  bill  is  small,  long,  and  sharp  pointed  ;  the  head 
small ;  the  tail  is  blunt,  turned  up  at  the  end,  and  so 
short  as  to  look  as  if  cut  off  with  a  pair  of  shears. 
The  legs  and  neck  are  of  moderate  length. 

Where  does  this  bird  live  ? 

The  Clapper  Rail  inhabits  the  shores  and  marshes 
of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  from  Connecticut  to  Florida. 
It  is  also  sometimes  found  on  the  rivers,  at  a  distance 
from  the  ocean. 


188  THE  RAIL. 

This  bird  is  known  by  several  names,  such  as  Mud 
Hen,  Meadow  Clapper,  Meadow  Hen,  and  Big  Rail. 

The  Clapper  Rail  migrates  to  the  south  on  the'  ap- 
proach of  winter,  and  returns  again  to  the  shores  of 
New  England  in  the  months  of  April  and  May.  The 
arrival  of  this  bird,  is  soon  known  to  those  who  live 
in  the  vicinity  of  salt  marshes,  as  they  announce  it  by 
a  loud,  harsh  kind  of  cackling,  somewhat  resembling 
the  noise  made  by  the  Guinea  hen.  This  noise  they 
make  chiefly  during  the  evening. 

These  birds  build  their  nests  on  the  ground,  among 
the  high  grass,  or  sedge,  which  grows  on  salt  marshes. 
They  are  constructed  with  much  labour  for  so  small  a 
bird,  being  generally  raised  a  foot  or  more  from  the 
ground,  probably  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the  rising 
of  the  tide.  Over  the  nest,  the  top  of  the  grass  is 
drawn  together,  and  the  leaves  woven  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  produce  a  kind  of  arch.  The  bird,  in  this 
instance,  seems  to  have  mistaken  her  instinct,  for  in 
building  this  arch  to  protect  her  nest  from  the  crow 
and  hawk,  she  sets  up  a  mark  by  which  it  can  be 
found  by  men  at  a  considerable  distance,  and  men  are 
by  far  her  greatest  enemies.  For  the  eggs  of  this 
bird  are  of  so  fine  a  flavour  as  to  be  preferred  to  all 
others ;  and  people  wrho  live  in  the  vicinity  of  salt 
marshes,  make  it  a  kind  of  business  to  collect  them  ; 
and  it  is  said  that  a  single  man  will  sometimes  collect 
a  hundred  dozen  in  a  day. 

The  Clapper  Rail  does  not  readily  take  wing  and 
escape,  like  most  other  birds,  but  when  pursued  by 
the  hunter  or  his  dog,  runs  through  the  grass,  winding 
its  wav  like  a  mouse  ;  so  that  even  when  its  wing  is 


SWIMMERS.  189 

broken,  it  is  nearly  impossible  to  catch  it.  When 
driven  from  the  grass,  it  will  dive  into  the  water,  and 
come  up  on  the  other  side  of  a  ditch,  and  again  hide 
among  the  thick  grass,  as  before. 

So  close  do  these  birds  lie  among  the  grass,  that  a 
hunter,  with  his  dogs,  may  go  into  a  marsh,  where 
there  are  hundreds  of  them,  without  seeing  a  single 
one,  except  when  they  happen  to  cross  a  path,  or 
dive  into  the  water.  They  will  not  fly,  until  so  closely 
pursued,  that  the  dog  is  just  on  the  point  of  seizing 
them,  when  they  rise  and  escape  with  great  swiftness, 
but  light  again  within  a  few  rods. 

The  Virginian  Rail  resembles  the  Clapper  Rail  in 
colour,  and  habits,  and  differs  from  it  chiefly  in  being 
much  smaller. 


SWIMMERS. 

This  Order  of  birds  is  distinguished  from  all  others 
by  having  a  thin  membrane,  or  web,  between  th«ir 
toes,  forming  a  foot,  which  may  be  spread  out,  or  fold- 
ed together,  like  a  fan.     Hence  they  are  called  web- 
footed,  and  by  reason  of  this  form,  these  birds  are 
enabled  to  swim  with  wonderful  ease  and  swiftness  ; 
for  when  the  foot  is  spread,  it  presents  a  wide  surface 
to  the  water,  by  which  the  bird  forces  itself  along, 
and  when  folded,  it  is  carried  forward  again,  without 
impeding  her  motion.     Most  of  these  birds  have  short 
legs,  which  are  well  adapted  to  their  modes  of  life, 
but  which  unfits  them  for  wading,  or  for  walking  with 
much  facility  on  the  land. 
17* 


190  THE  PELICAN. 

They  live  chiefly  on  roots,  grass,  and  small  shell- 
fish, which  they  either  obtain  by  diving,  or  pick  up 
along  the  shores. 

This  order  includes  the  Swan,  Duck,  Goose,  Pelican, 
and  many  others. 


THE  PELICAN. 

The  Pelicans  are  a  sociable  tribe  of  birds,  arid  at 
certain  seasons  of  the  year  assemble  in  large  flocks. 
They  live  on  fish,  which  they  catch  by  diving,  and  arc 
exceedingly  voracious  in  their  appetites.  Several  of 
the  species  have  large  bags  attached  to  the  lower 
mandible,  in  which  they  store  their  fish  which  they  do 
not  immediately  want.  Some  of  them  are  trained  to 
fishing,  and  are  thus  made  useful  to  mankind.  Some 
live  far  out  at  sea,  while  others  reside  in  rivers  and 
lakes.  There  are  several  species  of  this  bird,  which 
differ  considerably  from  each  other. 

THE  GREAT  PELICAN. 

How  large  is  the  Great  Pelican? 

The  Great  Pelican  is  three  feet  and  a  half  long, 
from  the  bill  to  the  end  of  the  tail.  The  bill  is  one 
foot  and  four  inches  in  length. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour  is  greyish  white,  or  ash  grey,  except  the 
endi  of  the  wings,  which  are  black. 

What  is  the  shape  of  the  Pelican .? 

The  shape  of  its  legs,  body,  and  neck,  is  similar  to 
those  of  the  goose,  and  swan.  But  its  bill  is  peculiarly 


THE  PELICAN.  19t 

wide  at  the  part  where  it  joins  the  head,  and  gradually 
tapers  like  a  wedge,  from  this  part  to  the  point. 

'  In  what  respect  does  the  Pelican  differ  from  other  birds  ? 

The  Pelican  differs  from  other  birds  in  having  a 
large  bag,  or  pouch,  attached  to  the  under  mandible, 
in  which  he  stores  his  fish. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  North  and  South  America, 
and  in  Africa. 

The  Pelican  is  celebrated  chiefly  on  account  of  the 
enormous  bag,  or  pouch,  which,  as  already  stated,  is 
attached  to  his  under  jaw.  When  the  bird  goes  out 
to  fish,  he  does  not,  like  other  birds,  swallow  his  prey 
one  after  the  other,  as  fast  as  they  are  caught,  but  he 
places  them  in  his  bag,  until  he  returns  to  the  shore, 
when  they  are  eaten  at  his  leisure,  or  given  to  his 
young,  as  occasion  requires.  This  bag  is  so  large  as 
to  hold  two  dozen  good  sized  fish  at  a  time. 

Labat,  a  traveller  of  credit,  seems  to  have  studied 
the  habits  and  manners  of  the  Pelican  with  much  at- 
tention, and  from  him  we  give  the  following  account. 
This  bird  has  strong  wings,  and  a  thick  plumage  all 
over  the  body.  His  eyes  are  small,  and  there  is  a 
sadness,  and  kind  of  melancholy  in  his  countenance. 
He  is,  indeed,  dull,  slow  of  flight,  and  so  very  lazy,, 
that  nothing  but  the  calls  of  hunger  wrill  drive  him  to 
do  any  thing. 

When  hungry,  and  obliged  to  go  out  a  fishing,  they 
rise  forty  or  fifty  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  sea,, 
and  fly  slowly  along,  turning  one  eye  downwards  to 
watch  for  their  prey.  When  they  see  a  fish  near 
enough  to  the  surface  of  the  water  for  their  purpose. 


192  THE  PELICAN. 

they  dart  down  and  seize  it,  with  the  greatest  certain- 
ty, and  store  it  in  their  pouches.  They  then  rise 
again,  though  not  without  difficulty  and  labour,  and 
proceed  as  before.  This  work  they  continue,  until 
their  pouches  are  full,  when  they  proceed  to  the 
shore,  and  having  taken  a  comfortable  seat,  they  pro- 
ceed to  make  a  most  abundant  meal  on  the  fruits  of 
their  labour.  But  though  they  carry  as  many  fish  at 
once,  as  would  serve  a  large  party  at  a  dinner,  still 
the  work  of  the  morning  does  not  procure  them  suf- 
ficient food  for  the  day  for  in  the  afternoon  they  have 
another  call  of  hunger,  which  they  go  forth  to  satisfy 
before  the  approach  of  night. 

At  evening,  when  their  fishing  is  over,  they  retire  a 
little  way  from  the  shore,  where  they  perch  on  the 
tallest  trees  they  can  find,  for  the  night.  The  figure 
they  cut  here,  is  very  odd,  and  ridiculous.  Their 
great  flat  feet,  and  their  clumsy,  goose-like  appear- 
ance, are  so  out  of  place,  when  perched,  with  the 
airy  birds  of  the  forest,  on  the  highest  places,  that  no 
one  can  witness  such  a  display,  without  amusement. 
It  looks  like  an  ambitious  attempt  to  associate  with 
their  more  decent  neighbours,  though  by  doing  so, 
they  only  make  themselves  still  more  ridiculous  by 
the  comparison. 

In  the  day-time,  except  when  they  are  labouring  to 
satisfy  their  appetites,  these  lazy  birds  spend  their  time 
in  the  most  dismal  solemnity.  They  sit  perfectly  still, 
with  their  chins  resting  on  their  breasts,  and  to  ap- 
pearance, half  asleep.  Thus  they  remain,  fixed  and 
motionless,  until  driven  by  hunger,  again  to  go  forth, 
in  search  of  provisions. 


THE  PELICAN.  19S 

Thus,  like  some  human  beings,  of  equal  value  to 
the  world,  do  they  spend  their  lives  between  eating 
and  sleeping. 

The  same  indolent  habits  attend  them  when  they 
sit  upon  their  eggs  and  hatch  their  young,  a  time  when 
all  other  birds  are  particularly  active  and  vigilant. 

The  female  lays  her  eggs  on  the  sand,  without  the 
least  preparation  of  a  nest,  and  while  she  is  sitting  on 
them,  a  person  may  go  and  take  them  all  from  under 
her,  without  her  shewing  any  signs  of  anger,  or  any 
attempt  at  defence.  When  her  young  are  hatched, 
she  feeds  them  on  fish,  but  it  is  only  when  they  utter 
cries  of  distress  for  food,  that  she  is  induced  to  go  out 
and  bring  them  a  supply. 

Our  author  says  that  he  took  two  of  these  birds 
when  young,  and  tied  them  to  a  post,  when  he  had 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  mother  come  and  feed  them 
from  her  pouch.  The  young  ones  first  took  the  fish, 
and  put  them  into  their  own  pouches,  and  then  eat 
them  at  their  leisure,  or  as  they  became  hungry. 

The  Pelican  is  easily  tamed,  and  is  a  good  natured 
and  harmless  bird,  though  very  unclean  and  disagree- 
able. In  some  countries,  these  latter  qualities  are, 
however,  overlooked,  and  the  Pelicans  are  trained  to 
catch  fish  for  their  masters.  The  natives  of  some 
parts  of  South  America,  we  are  told,  have  been  known 
to  educate  them  with  so  much  care,  that  they  would 
go  out  without  any  one  to  direct  them,  and  having 
caught  their  pouches  full  of  fish,  would  bring  them  to 
their  masters. 

The  Chinese  train  them  for  the  same  purpose  ;  and 
to  prevent  them  from  swallowing  any  of  the  fish  while 


194  THE  CORMORANT. 

away,  they  lie  a  string  around  their  necks,  just  under 
the  throat.  The  bird  being  thus  unable  to  satisfy  his 
hunger  when  away  from  home,  goes  to  his  master,  who 
takes  off  the  string,  and  gives  him  a  few  fish  as  a  re- 
ward for  the  labours  of  the  day.  Thus  is  the  poor 
bird  compelled  to  work  for  his  master  fora  small  part 
of  his  own  earnings. 

The  Pelican  lives  to  a  very  great  age.  Gesner 
speaks  of  one  that  was  known  to  be  eighty  years  old, 
and  was  such  a  favourite  with  the  emperor  Maximilian, 
that  wherever  he  marched  with  his  army,  he  always 
ordered  his  Pelican  to  attend  him. 


THE  CORMORANT. 

The  Cormorant  tribe,  like  the  Pelicans,  live  on  fish, 
which  they  catch  by  diving.  They  are  a  most  vora- 
cious race,  and  employ  most  of  their  time  in  fishing 
for  their  own  provisions.  One  of  this  family  has  a 
small  pouch  attached  to  the  lower  mandible,  like  the 
pelican,  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  used  for  the  same 
purpose.  The  Common  Cormorant  and  the  Fishing 
Cormorant  are  the  two  species  best  known,  but  they 
differ  very  little  from  each  other  in  appearance. 

THE  FISHING  CORMORANT. 

How  large  is  the  Fishing  Cormorant  ? 

The  Fishing  Cormorant  is  three  feet  long,  and  with 
the  wings  spread,  about  six  feet  in  extent. 


THE  CORMORANT.  195 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  3 

Its  colour,  except  a  white  spot  under  the  throat , 
and  another  on  each  side,  is  entirely  black. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

The  shape  of  the  Cormorant  is  between  that  of  the 
goose  and  that  of  the  falcon.  Like  the  goose,  it  has 
short  legs,  and  is  web-footed,  but  the  shape  of  its 
body,  neck,  and  bill,  are  more  like  those  of  the  falcon. 
Its  bill  is  long,  and  the  upper  mandible  is  bent,  like  a 
hook  over  the  end  of  the  lower  one. 

Where  does  the  Cormorant  live  ? 

This  bird  is  found  in  Asia,  and  particularly  in  China, 
where  it  inhabits  the  bays  and  rivers  in  abundance. 

This  Cormorant  lives  entirely  on  fish,  which  he 
catches  by  diving,  and  is  exceedingly  expert  in  seizing 
and  holding  his  prey.  He  cares  not  whether  the 
water  be  fresh  or  salt,  provided  it  contains  an  abun- 
dance of  the  finny  race  ;  and  so  craving  is  his  appe- 
tite, that  he  not  only  fishes  by  day,  but  goes  forth  by 
night  in  search  of  plunder. 

This  bird  is  esteemed  the  best  fisher  of  all  the  feath- 
ered race,  and  although  large,  and  generally  very  fat, 
he  flies  with  great  swiftness  and  strength,  and  spends 
most  of  his  time  on  the  wing.  In  this  respect  he  dif- 
fers entirely  from  the  pelican,  who  fishes  only  to  pre- 
vent actual  starvation. 

He  pursues  his  prey  with  the  most  untiring  activity, 
rising  to  a  great  height  over  the  water,  and  searching 
it  carefully  with  his  eye.  The  moment  he  discovers 
a  fish,  he  drops  down  as  though  dead,  but  seldom  rises 
again  without  success.  He  seizes  his  prey  with  his 
bill,  and  not  like  the  fish- hawk,  with  his  claws.  When 


1S6  THE  CORMORANT. 

he  happens  to  strike  a  fish  near  the  tail,  he  gives  it  a 
toss  into  the  air,  catches  it  again  with  dexterity,  and 
then  swallows  it  head  foremost. 

Travellers  tell  us  that  in  many  parts  of  China, 
Cormorants  are  educated,  and  trained  to  fishing,  as 
dogs  are  trained  to  hunting  in  other  countries,  and 
that  they  are  under  such  good  discipline,  that  one 
man  can  manage  a  hundred  of  them  at  a  time. 

The  fisherman  carries  them  out  into  the  lake,  or 
other  fishing  place,  perched  on  the  sides  of  his  boat, 
where  they  continue  quiet,  in  expectation  of  his  orders 
to  begin  the  sport.  When  arrived  at  the  proper  place, 
he  gives  them  a  signal,  or  word  of  command,  when 
they  all  fly  different  ways,  each  one  to  fulfil  his  task. 
It  is  said  to  be  very  pleasant,  at  this  time,  to  witness 
the  sagacity  with  which  they  portion  out,  among 
themselves,  the  different  parts  of  the  fishing  ground, 
each  one  taking  the  part  assigned  him,  without  intru- 
ding on  that  of  another. 

They  fly  about  over  the  water  with  great  swiftness, 
and  hunt  with  as  much  eagerness  as  a  pack  of  hounds. 
They  dive,  rise  again,  and  again  plunge  into  the  water, 
and  do  not  give  up  the  pursuit  until  the  fish  is  caught, 
when  they  do  not  fail  to  carry  it  directly  to  their  mas- 
ter, who  sits  waiting  for  them  in  his  boat.  If  any  bird 
happens  to  seize  a  fish,  which  is  too  heavy  for  him  to 
carry,  the  next  flies  to  his  help,  and  gives  him  a  lift, 
one  taking  it  by  the  head,  and  the  other  by  the  tail, 
and  in  this  manner,  they  carry  it  to  the  boat. 

Having  delivered  their  fish,  they  sit  for  a  few  mo- 
ments on  some  part  of  the  boat,  and  then  again  go  in 
search  of  another.  When  tired,  they  are  permitted 


THE  DARTER.  197 

to  rest  awhile,  but  are  never  fed  until  their  day's  work 
is  done. 

All  the  time  they  are  fishing,  they  have  a  string 
tied  around  their  necks,  so  as  to  prevent  their  swal- 
lowing, otherwise  they  would  eat  so  many  fish,  as  to 
be  neither  able,  nor  willing,  to  catch  more.  It  is 
therefore  hunger  only,  and  the  hope  of  satisfying  their 
appetites,  that  induces  these  birds  to  labour  for  their 
masters.  At  night,  when  the  labour  of  the  day  is 
finished,  they  are  well  fed,  and  are  thus  prepared  to 
go  to  their  work  again  in  the  morning. 

Sir  George  Staunton  says,  that  on  some  of  the 
large  lakes  in  China,  there  are  thousands  of  rafts,  or 
boats,  built  entirely  for  this  kind  of  fishing,  and  that  it 
is  astonishing  to  see  the  enormous  size  of  the  fish 
which  these  birds  will  catch  and  carry  to  their  mas- 
ters. 

In  England  the  same  mode  of  fishing  was  anciently 
in  fashion,  but  instead  of  being  the  business  of  common 
fishermen,  it  was  one  of  the  royal  sports.  Even  so 
late  as  the  reign  of  king  Charles  the  Second,  this  sport 
was  still  in  estimation,  for  it  appears  from  history, 
that  among  the  officers  of  that  king,  there  was  one, 
who  had  the  title  of  Master  of  Cormorants. 


THE  DARTER. 

[Thi$  is  also  called  Snake-bird,  from  Hit  resemblance  of 
his  head  and  neck  to  a  serpent.] 

How  large  is  the  Darter  ? 

The  Darter  is  three  feet  in  length,  and  with  the 
18 


198  THE  DARTER. 

wings  spread,  five  feet  in  extent.     The  bill  is  four 
inches  long. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

The  colour  of  its  neck,  and  all  the  under  parts,  is 
greenish  black ;  the  tail  is  black,  tipped  with  white  ; 
the  back  and  sides  are  black  ;  the  sides  spotted  with 
white  ;  quill  feathers  white  ;  lower  mandible,  and 
around  the  eyes,  yellow  ;  from  the  crown  of  the  head, 
a  white  stripe  runs  half  way  down  the  neck. 

What  is  the  shape  of  this  bird  ? 

The  form  of  the  Darter  is  slender  and  beautiful : 
the  neck  is  long,  and  is  joined  to  the  body  by  a  grace- 
ful swell  towards  the  breast;  the  head  is  small, 
ending  in  a  long,  sharp  pointed  bill ;  the  legs  are  only 
about  three  inches  long,  and  the  feet  are  webbed. 
The  aspect  of  the  head  and  bill  is  spiteful  and  danger- 
ous. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

This  bird  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  Carolinas,  Georgia 
and  Florida.  It  is  also  found  in  South  America, 
China,  and  other  warm  countries. 

This  bird  lives  on  fish,  which  he  strikes  with  his 
sharp  bill,  and  by  which  they  are  pierced,  as  with  a 
dart,  and  hence  the  name  Darter. 

They  build  their  nests  on  trees  and  rocks,  always 
taking  care,  however,  that  the  place  is  so  near  the 
water,  that  they  can  dive  into  it  in  time  of  danger. 

Mr.  Bartram,  who  saw  these  birds  in  Florida,  says, 
that  they  delight  to  sit  in  little  communities,  on  the 
dry  limbs  of  trees,  hanging  over  the  still  water,  in 
order  to  cool  themselves,  and  at  the  same  time  to  see 
their  images  in  the  water,  as  in  a  looking-glass.  At 


THE  PENGUIN.  199 

such  times,  if  any  one  approaches  them,  they  drop  off 
the  limbs  into  the  water,  as  if  dead,  and  for  a  minute 
or  two  are  not  to  be  seen,  when  on  a  sudden,  at  a 
great  distance,  their  long  slender  heads  and  necks  ap- 
pear like  a  snake,  rising  erect  out  of  the  water.  When 
they  swim,  no  part  of  them  is  to  be  seen,  except  the 
head  and  neck,  and  sometimes  the  tip  of  the  tail.  In 
the  heat  of  the  day,  they  are  seen  in  great  numbers, 
sailing  very  high  in  the  air  over  the  lakes  and  rivers. 

They  are  exceedingly  shy,  and  cunning  in  escaping 
from  the  gunner.  When  shot  at  in  the  water,  they 
dive  at  the  flash  of  the  gun,  and  do  not  come  up  again, 
until  they  get  to  the  distance  of  several  hundred  yards ; 
and  it  is  in  vain  to  try,  after  having  once  missed  them, 
to  approach  within  gun  shot  again.  So  that  the  most 
experienced  sportsman  is  often  obliged  to  give  over 
the  day's  fowling,  without  obtaining  a  single  specimen 
of  this  bird. 


THJE  PENGUIN. 

The  Penguin  seems  to  hold  the  same  place  among 
the  water  birds,  that  the  ostrich  does  among  the  land 
birds.  Both  of  them  have  wings,  but  neither  of  them 
can  fly.  The  ostrich  is  the  swiftest  runner  among  the 
land  animals,  and  the  Penguin  outswims  all  the  feath- 
ered tribes.  The  Penguins  walk  erect,  when  they 
walk  at  all,  but  their  legs  are  so  short,  that  their  gait 
is  rather  a  waddle  than  a  walk.  Their  clothing  of 
feathers  is  extremely  thick  and  warm.  They  sit  erect 


200  THE  PENGUIN. 

on  their  eggs,  and  cackle  like  geese,  but  in  a  hoarser 
voice. 

There  are  several  species  of  this  family,  all  having 
the  same  shapes,  and  differing  only  in  size  and  colour. 

THE  PATAGONIAN  PENGUIN. 

How  large  is  the  Patagonian  Penguin  ? 

The  Patagonian  Penguin,  as  it  stands  on  the  ground, 
is  about  three  feet  high. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird? 

Its  colour,  from  the  back  of  the  head  downwards, 
including  all  the  back  parts,  is  black.  The  throat  is 
also  black.  The  front  parts,  beginning  with  a  line 
on  the  middle  of  the  head,  which  spreads  over  ih& 
breast,  and  down  to  the  feet,  is  entirely  white. 

What  is  the  shape  of  the  Penguin  ? 

The  shape  of  the  Penguin  is  very  singular.  The 
feet  are  placed  so  far  back,  that  it  cannot,  like  other 
birds,  balance  itself  on  them,  and  it  is  therefore  obliged 
to  stand  erect,  like  a  man.  Its  wings  are  so  small, 
and  the  feathers  on  them  so  short,  that  they  appear 
like  fins,  rather  than  like  the  wings  of  other  birds,  arid 
its  feathers  are  so  hard  and  stiff,  that  they  are  more 
like  scales  than  plumage. 

What  country  do  these  birds  inhabit  ? 

These  birds  inhabit  many  of  the  South  Sea  islands, 
and  the  coasts  of  South  America,  particularly  Pata- 
gonia. 

Penguins  assemble  in  flocks,  and  when  they  stand 
on  the  shore  at  a  distance,  they  are  said  to  resemble  a 
number  of  children,  dressed  in  black,  with  white 
aprons. 


THE  PENGUIN.  201 

These  birds  are  said  to  be  like  men,  like  fowls,  and 
like  fishes.  Like  men,  they  walk  upright ;  like  fowls, 
they  are  clothed  with  feathers  ;  and  like  fishes,  they 
paddle  themselves  along  with  their  wings  instead  of 
fins. 

The  Penguins  live  on  fish,  and  are  exceed- 
ingly expert  divers,  as  well  as  swimmers.  The 
position  of  their  legs,  which  renders  them  so  awkward 
on  the  land,  are  admirably  adapted  to  their  residence 
in  the  water. 

On  the  land,  no  creature  can  be  more  defenceless, 
for  they  have  neither  arms  to  fight  with,  nor  legs  to 
run  away.  But  in  the  water,  no  bird  is  more  difficult 
to  approach,  or  more  difficult  to  shoot  when  near. 
If  they  suspect,  that  they  are  in  the  least  the  objects 
of  pursuit,  they  instantly  sink  into  the  water,  so  as  to 
shew  nothing  but  their  bills,  and  if  the  pursuit  is  con- 
tinued, they  dive,  and  come  up  at  such  a  distance  as 
entirely  to  escape  being  seen  again. 

The  nest  of  the  Penguin  is  made  according  to  her 
circumstances,  or  the  danger  to  which  she  is  exposed. 
In  places  where  she  does  not  fear  the  intrusion  of 
man,  her  eggs  are  hatched  on  the  sand,  without  the 
preparation  of  a  nest.  But  in  places  which  are  fre- 
quented by  men,  she  digs  a  hole  several  feet  deep 
into  the  earth  on  the  side  of  a  bank,  arid  in  it  builds 
her  nest.  In  the  work  of  digging,  it  is  said  they  join 
and  assist  each  other,  and  that  when  it  is  done,  several 
of  them  hatch  their  young  in  one  nest,  each  laying  a 
single  egg. 

The  flesh  of  this  bird,  though  very  fat,  is  so  fishy, 

and  disagreeable  to  the  taste,  as  never  to  be  eaten. 

18* 


202  THE   GOOSE. 

THJE  GOOSE. 

The  Goose  tribe  have  strong,  wide,  and  flat  bills, 
the  upper  mandible  being  a  little  longer  than  the  lower 
one,  and  ending  in  a  blunt,  round  point,  like  the  finger 
nail.  Both  mandibles  are  furnished  with  small  teeth, 
like  a  saw,  for  the  better  holding  their  food.  The 
toes  are  four  in  number,  three  of  which  are  united  by 
a  membrane.  Their  necks  are  of  considerable  length, 
but  their  legs  are  short,  and  fitted  for  swimming,  rather 
than  walking.  Some  of  this  tribe,  as  the  common 
Goose,  are  domesticated,  and  live  on  corn,  while  oth- 
ers remain  wild,  and  eat  roots,  and  small  shell-fish, 
which  they  gather  from  the  water. 

THE  WILD  GOOSE. 

Hovr  large  is  the  Wild  Goose  ? 

The  Wild  Goose  is  three  feet  long,  from  the  bill  to 
the  end  of  the  tail ;  and  with  the  wings  spread,  about 
five  feet  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  fowl  ? 

In  colour,  the  back  part  of  the  head  and  neck  are 
black ;  the  back  is  brown  ;  chin,  and  upper  part  of 
the  breast,  white  ;  the  under  parts,  pale  brown. 

Where  does  the  Wild  Goose  live  ? 

The  WiH  Goose  is  very  generally  known  through- 
out the  United  States.  It  however,  resides  in  the 
country  only  during  the  winter.  In  the  spring  it  mi- 
grates to  the  north,  and  returns  again  on  the  com- 
mencement of  the  cold  season. 

Every  person  is  acquainted  with  these  birds,  at 
least  so  far  as  to  have  often  witnessed  their  migratory 
voyages  in  the  spring  and  fall.  Their  flight  is  gene- 


THE  GOOSE.  203 

rally  so  high  in  the  air  as  to  place  them  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  sportsman's  gun.  They  have  great  pow- 
er of  wing,  and  although  their  flight  is  not  so  swift  as 
that  of  the  pigeon,  and  some  other  birds,  they  proceed 
with  a  steady  and  business-like  manner,  which,  in  a 
few  days,  carries  them  to  a  vast  distance.  After  they 
•  begin  their  journey,  they  do  not  rest,  night  or  day,  but, 
guided  by  that  mysterious  faculty,  called  instinct,  they 
wing  their  way,  in  a  direct  line  from  the  shores  of  the 
Atlantic,  to  the  frozen  regions  of  the  north.  There, 
having  reared  their  young,  guided  by  the  same  instinc- 
tive power,  they  return  again  to  the  warmer  regions 
of  the  south.  Ever  since  the  memory  of  man,  these 
migrations  have  been  as  constant  as  the  return  of 
autumn  and  spring. 

There  is  a  belief  that  these  birds  lay  and  hatch  their 
young  in  Canada,  or  on  the  shores  of  the  northern 
lakes.  But  this  is  so  far  from  being  true,  that  no  one 
has  yet  pretended  to  have  seen  their  breeding  places 
in  any  part  of  the  world.  Large  flocks  of  them  are 
every  year  seen  flying  over  the  coasts  of  Greenland, 
and  Iceland,  still  pursuing  their  way  to  the  north  ;  and 
it  is  not  improbable  that  they  build  their  nests  under 
the  pole  itself,  where,  save  themselves,  no  living  crea- 
ture is  seen,  and  where  the  eye  of  man  will  never 
penetrate. 

No  bird  is  more  eagerly  pursued  by  the  fowler  than 
this.  The  moment  they  arrive  from  the  cold  and 
silent  regions  of  the  pole,  at  any  inhabited  land,  the 
attack  on  them  commences.  At  Hudson's  Bay,  the 
English  Company's  settlement  depend  much  on  these 
fowl  as  a  means  of 'subsistence  through  the  year. 


204  THE  GOOSE. 

Every  spring  and  fall,  therefore,  preparations  are 
made  for  their  destruction  in  a  systematic  manner. 
A  line  of  huts  is  built  for  this  purpose,  extending  east 
arid  west,  and  placed  within  gun-shot  of  each  other. 
In  each  of  these  huts  a  man  is  stationed,  having  with 
him  two  or  three  loaded  guns.  When  the  geese  fly 
over  this  place,  these  men  imitate  their  notes  so  ex- 
actly that  the  flock  will  answer,  and  at  the  same  time 
wheel  around,  in  order  to  discover  their  companion, 
and  alight  with  him.  When  they  come  within  gun- 
shot, these  sportsmen  discharge  first  one  gun,  and  then 
another,  and  continue  the  fire  at  them,  until  they  are 
out  of  reach.  In  this  way,  great  numbers  are  destroy- 
ed, so  that  at  this  single  place,  it  is  said  in  some  sea- 
sons, they  kill  three  or  four  thousand.  In  the  spring 
they  are  salted,  and  packed  away  for  the  summer's 
use,  and  in  the  fall  they  are  frozen  and  kept  fresh  for 
the  winter's  consumption.  Their  feathers  from  this 
place,  are  an  article  of  commerce,  and  are  sent  to 
England  for  sale. 

The  disposition  to  destroy  these  poor  birds  on  ac- 
count of  their  flesh,  seems  to  be  much  the  same  every 
where  as  at  Hudson's  Bay,  though  the  system  of  car-, 
nage  is  no  where  else  so  regularly  carried  on.  When 
they  are  obliged  to  light  on  account  of  the  fog,,pr 
when  their  flight  is  irregular,  and  near  the  earth,  be- 
cause they  have  lost  their  leader,  they  always  appear 
in  great  distress,  probably  knowing  from  experience, 
their  danger  in  going  near  the  habitations  of  men. 
But  instead  of  shewing  compassion  fcr  their  sufferings, 
and  permitting  the  poor  bewildered  strangers  to  de- 
scend and  rest  ,on  the  earth  in  peace  and  safety,  the 


THE  GOOSE.  206 

only  reception  they  meet  with  is  death  and  destruc- 
tion. 

These  birds  are  easily  tamed  and  domesticated, 
and  in  various  parts  of  this  country  are  raised,  like 
other  geese  (or  their  feathers  and  flesh,  hi  England, 
France,  and  Germany,  they  have  long  been  kept  for 
these  purposes.  On  the  approach  of  spring,  however, 
they  are  said,  always  to  shew  symptoms  of  uneasiness, 
and  at  the  usual  time  of  their  annual  migrations,  they 
try  to  effect  their  escape.  Some  of  them  whose  wings 
have  been  cut,  so  that  they  could  not  fly,  in  their  anx- 
iety to  follow  their  companions,  which  they  hear  in 
the  air,  have  been  known  to  travel  several  miles  to 
the  north  on  foot.  These  tame  geese  always  hail 
every  flock  of  their  own  kind  that  passes  over  them, 
and  the  salute  is  generally  returned  by  the  voyagers, 
\vho  are  only  prevented  from  lighting,  by  seeing  the 
habitations  of  men. 

Sometimes,  when  wild  Geese  have  been  taken  arid 
tamed,  on  account  of  their  wounds,  they  have,  on  re- 
covering, joined  their  companions  in  the  air,  and  pro* 
ceeded  with  them  on  their  voyage  to  the  north.  An 
interesting  case  of  this  kind  is  related  in  Wilson's 
Ornithology. 

4  Mr.  Platt,  a  respectable  farmer  on  Long  Island, 
wounded  a  Wild  Goose  in  such  a  manner,  that  he 
caught  and  carried  it  home  with  him.  It  proved  to 
be  a  female,  and  turning  it  into  his  yard,  with  a  flock 
of  tame  geese,  it  soon  became  quite  familiar,  and  in  a 
little  time  the  wounded  wing  got  entirely  well.  In 
the  following  spring,  when  the  Wild  Geese  were  mi- 
grating to  the  north,  a  flock  happening  to  pass  over 


206  THE  SWAN. 

Mr.  Platt's  barn  yard,  this  Goose,  hearing  their  well 
known  voices,  and  not  being  quite  contented  with  her 
situation,  instantly  mounted  into  the  air, — joined  the 
flock,  and  disappeared  with  them.  Mr.  Platt  was 
sorry  for  the  loss  of  his  favourite  Goose,  and  of  course 
never  expected  to  see  her  again.  But  in  the  autumn, 
when  these  birds  migrate  to  the  south,  he  happened 
to  be  standing  in  his  yard,  when  a  flock  of  them  ap- 
peared in  a  direction  to  pass  over  him.  While  look- 
ing at  them,  he  saw  three  fly  out  from  among  the 
rest,  and  after  wheeling  several  times  around,  they 
came  down,  and  to  his  astonishment  alighted  in  his 
yard.  In  a  few  moments,  Mr.  Platt  saw  that  one 
of  these  was  his  lost  favourite,  which  had  escaped 
the  spring  before.  She  had  been  with  her  compan- 
ions to  the  frozen  regions  of  the  north,  where  having 
hatched  and  reared  her  young,  she  now  returned  with 
her  little  family  to  her  old  master. 


THE  SWAJT. 

How  large  is  the  Swan  ? 

The  Swan  is  five  feet  long,  and  with  the 
spread,  seven  feet  and  a  half  in  extent.     His  weight  is 
about  twenty-five  pounds. 

What  kind  of  bird  is  the  Swan  ? 

This  bird,  although  of  the  goose  kind,  is  by  far  su- 
perior in  size  and  elegance  to  any  other  of  this  tribe. 

The  form  of  the  Swan  has  ever  been  celebrated 
for  its  beauty  and  gracefulness.  On  the  land,  its  short 


THE  SWAN.  207 

and  waddling  gait,  it  is  true,  make  but  an  indif- 
ferent figure.  But  on  its  proper  element,  when  it 
proudly  rows  itself  along,  with  its  body  in  appearance 
only  just  touching  the  water,  and  its  head  elevated  in 
the  air,  no  bird  can  compare  with  this  in  dignity  of 
form  or  gracefulness  of  movement. 

Every  part  of  the  Swan  seems  to  be  formed  in  the 
most  regular  and  charming  proportions.  Its  profile 
presents  an  outline  of  curves,  which  are  the  most  easy, 
elegant  and  pleasing  that  can  be  conceived,  and  when 
the  bird  is  in  motion,  these  lines  constantly  receive 
new  graces  by  the  changes  they  undergo. 

This  bird  is  as  delicate  in  its  appetite  as  it  is  elegant 
in  its  form.  Its  food  is  corn,  bread,  some  kinds  of 
seeds,  and  herbs  which  grow  by  the  water  side. 

The  Swan  has  been  so  long  domesticated,  that  at 
the  present  day  it  is  doubtful  if  this  species  any  where 
exists  in  the  wild  state. 

She  builds  her  nest  with  sticks  and  grass,  by  the 
side  of  some  river  or  lake,  always  selecting,  if  she  can, 
an  island  for  this  purpose,  probably  on  account  of  its 
greater  safety  from  the  approach  of  animals.  The 
pair  assist  each  other  in  this  work,  and  the  female 
becomes  so  attached  to  the  place  where  her  first  nest 
is.  built  as  commonly  to  repair  and  occupy  it,  for 
many  years  in  succession. 

When  the  young  are  hatched,  the  old  ones  are  ex- 
ceedingly proud  of  their  charge,  and  careful  to  protect 
them  from  harm.  At  this  time  it  is  dangerous  for 
any  person  to  disturb  the  brood,  or  to  approach  near 
them,  for  the  parents  are  so  violent  in  defending  them, 


208  THE  SWAN. 

and  strike  with  such  force  with  the  wings  as  to  beat  a 
person  to  the  ground,  or  break  his  leg,  or  arm. 

One  of  these  birds,  while  sitting  on  her  nest,  observ- 
ed a  fox  swimming  towards  her.  She  instantly  darted 
into  the  water,  swam  out  to  him,  and  commenced  the 
attack.  The  fox  tried  every  way  to  gain  the  shore, 
where  he  could  defend  himself  to  better  advantage  ; 
but  the  Swan  beat  him  with  her  wings  with  such 
force,  that  he  could  neither  swim  forward,  nor  keep 
his  head  above  the  water  ;  and  she  finally  succeeded 
in  drowning  him,  on  the  spot.  After  this,  in  the  sight 
of  several  persons  who  saw  the  battle,  she  returned 
to  her  nest  in  triumph. 

The  Swan  sits  two  months  on  her  eggs,  and  the 
birds  are  a  year  in  growing  to  their  full  size.  They 
live  to  a  very  great  age.  Dr.  Goldsmith  thinks  that 
the  common  goose  will  live  a  hundred  years,  and  says 
that  it  is  not  improbable  the  Swan  may  live  much 
longer. 

These  birds  were  formerly  held  in  such  high  esti- 
mation in  England,  that  king  Edward  the  Fourth 
passed  a  law,  forbidding  any  person,  not  of  the  royal 
family,  to  keep  Swans,  unless  he  was  a  gentleman  by 
l&rtb,  and  had  a  certain  income  per  year.  By  another 
law,  made  afterwards,  the  punishment  for  stealing  the 
eggs  of  this  bird,  was  imprisonment  for  one  year  and 
a  day,  and  in  addition  to  this,  a  fine  according  to  the 
king's  will. 


THE  DUCK.  20$ 

THE  DUCK. 

The  Duck  tribe  differs  from  the  goose,  chiefly  in 
size  and  colour,  their  form  and  habits  being  similar  to 
those  of  the  geese.  Like  the  geese,  some  of  this  tribe 
have  been  long  domesticated,  while  most  of  the  spe- 
cies remain  wild. 

The  Ducks,  through  all  their  varieties,  are  much 
alike  in  most  of  their  manners  and  habits.  They  all 
dive,  fly,  or  swim,  as  occasion  requires.  Most  of  them 
inhabit  the  salt  water,  but  some  kinds  live  entirely 
among  rivers  and  lakes,  and  never  approach  the  sea. 
Ducks  are  stupid,  and  careless  birds.  Even  in  nur- 
turing their  young,  they  do  not  usually  display  that 
attention  and  vigilance,  so  common  to  the  feathered 
race.  The  female  seems  to  be  a  heedless,  inattentive 
mother,  and  often  forgets  her  young  when  they  most 
need  her  care.  Having  led  them  to  the  pond,  she 
seems  to  think  that  she  has  provided  for  all  their 
wants,  by  shewing  them  the  water.  She  does  not, 
like  the  hen,  call  her  family  around  her,  and  teach 
them  how  to  provide  for  themselves.  If  the  vermin 
about  the  pond  destroy  her  young,  she  does  not  miss 
them,  and  if  she  hears  them  cry,  she  takes  little  notice 
of  their  distress.  While  sitting,  she  sometimes  loiters 
away  her  time  at  the  pond,  ducking  and  refreshing 
herself  in  the  water,  until  her  eggs  grow  cold  and 
lifeless. 

The  hen  is  a  nurse  of  much  better  character.     She 
sits  on  her  eggs  with  the  most  determined  persever- 
ance ;  never  leaves  them,  but  for  a  few  moments  at  a 
time,  and  hurries  back  as  though  her  presence  was 
19 


*  10  THE  DUCK, 

of  the  utmost  consequence.  If  her  mistress  prefers 
to  have  her  hatch  a  brood  of  ducks  instead  of  her 
own  offspring,  she  adopts  the  little  strangers,  and 
brings  them  up  with  the  same  care  as  if  they  had 
been  her  own. 

THE  EIDER  DUCK. 

How  large  is  the  Eider  Duck  ? 

The  Eider  Duck  is  two  feet  three  inches  long,  and 
with  the  wings  spread,  three  feet  in  extent  ;  being 
about  the  size  of  a  common  goose. 

What  is  the  colour  ot  the  Eider  Duck  ? 

The  colour  of  the  male,  from  the  throat  to  the 
breast,  and  along  the  back,  is  white.  The  quill  fea- 
thers, the  tail,  and  all  the  under  parts  are  black  ;  there 
is  also  a  patch  of  black  on  each  side  of  the  head,  in- 
cluding the  eyes,  and  a  part  of  the  bill. 

The  colour  s  of  the  female  is  reddish  brown, 
curiously  marked  with  spots  of  black  and  red  ;  the 
quill  feathers  and  tail  are  black ;  and  the  bill  and 
legs  yellow. 

Where  does  this  Duck  live  ? 

This  Duck  inhabits  the  Western  Isles  of  Scotland, 
the  sea  coasts  of  Norway,  Greenland,  and  Iceland, 
and  the  northern  parts  of  North  America. 

The  Eider  Duck  has  long  been  celebrated,  on  ac- 
count of  the  down  which  it  affords,  and  which,  in 
Europe  and  America,  is  considered  a  great  luxury,  on 
account  of  its  lightness  and  warmth. 

This  is  called  Eider  down,  and  comes  from  Lap- 
land and  Iceland,  in  which  countries  these  birds  are 
found  in  great  numbers. 


THE  DUCK.  211 

The  inhabitants  of  these  countries,  who  live  near 
the  sea  shore,  make  it  a  part  of  their  business  to  plun- 
der these  poor  birds  of  their  eggs,  and  their  down. 
The  e^gs,  during  the  spring,  they  use  as  food  in  their 
families,  and  by  the  sale  of  the  down,  they  every  year 
obtain  considerable  sums  of  money. 

The  nests  of  these  Ducks  are  formed  of  dry  grass, 
and  sea-weed,  lined  on  the  inside  with  down,  which 
the  female  plucks  from  her  breast  for  this  purpose. 
In  the  nest,  thus  made  soft,  and  warm,  she  lays  five 
eggs,  which  she  also  covers  with  down.  The  inhabit- 
ants, having  found  these  nests  while  building,  they 
know  when  to  visit  them  again,  arid  after  the  eggs  are 
all  laid,  they  go  and  take  them  away,  together  with 
the  down  which  covers  them,  as  well  as  that  with 
\vhich  the  nest  is  lined.  The  female  then  begins 
again,  and  a  second  time  strips  her  breast,  lines  her 
riest  with  the  down,  and  lays  another  nest  of  eggs ; 
but  again  she  is  deprived  of  both,  by  the  same  hand 
that  plundered  her  before.  Once  more  the  poor  bird, 
in  her  anxiety  to  raise  a  family,  begins  to  prepare  a 
place  to  hatch  them,  but  her  breast  being  naked,  can 
afford  no  down,  with  which  to  furnish  it.  In  this  ex- 
tremity, it  is  said,  the  male  kindly  interposes  for  her 
relief,  and  plucks  his  own  breast,  to  give  her  the  pro- 
per quantity  of  down.  Even  this,  these  cruel  robber* 
sometimes  take  away ;  then  the  birds,  finding  that  no 
mercy  is  shewn  them,  leave  the  place  entirely,  and 
seek  a  more  secret  situation  where  they  can  raise 
their  brood  in  safety. 

One  Duck  it  is  said,  will  furnish  a  half  a  pound  of 
down  in  a  season,  and  this  is  so  valuable  as  to  sell  fgr 


212  THE  DUCK. 

two  dollars  a  pound  in  Lapland.  It  is  extremely 
fine,  soft,  and  warm,  and  is  so  elastic  that  a  quantity 
which  is  sufficient  to  fill  a  bed  quilt  may  be  compressed 
within  the  two  hands. 

The  Iceland  Company,  every  year,  bring  from  that 
country  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  pounds 
of  this  down.  This  they  sell  at  Copenhagen,  and 
from  thence  it  is  distributed  into  every  part  of  Europe, 
and  considerable  quantities  of  it  come  to  the  northern 
parts  of  America. 

The  male  Eider  Duck  is  exceedingly  attentive  to 
the  female,  while  she  is  sitting  on  her  eggs,  and  during 
that  time  remains  near  the  shore,  swimming  backwards 
and  forwards  not  far  from  the  nest,  to  see  that  nothing 
disturbs  her.  But  as  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched, 
he  sails  away  and  leaves  the  brood  to  take  care  of 
themselves. 

The  mother,  however,  has  more  feeling  for  her 
young,  and  being  thus  entrusted  with  their  care  and 
education,  she  proves  herself  a  provident  and  faithful 
parent.  While  they  are  very  young,  she  takes  care 
to  introduce  them  to  the  water,  as  the  place  on  which 
their  after  lives  are  chiefly  to  be  spent.  Having  led 
them  to  the  edge  of  the  water,  she  makes  the  whole 
brood  crawl  upon  her  back,  and  then  swims  oflfa  little 
distance  from  the  shore.  She  then  dives,  herself,  thus 
leaving  her  brood  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  and 
in  this  manner  are  they  compelled  to  exercise  them- 
selves in  swimming.  After  this,  they  are  seldom  seen 
on  the  land,  until  they  go  there  for  the  purpose  of 
rearing  a  brood  for  themselves. 


THE  PETREL.  213 

THE  PETREL. 

The  bills  of  this  tribe  are  straight,  except  at  the  end, 
where  they  are  a  little  hooked.  The  legs  are  small, 
and  the  wings  long  and  strong.  They  fly  with  ama- 
zing swiftness,  and  are  often  seen  far  out  at  sea.  In 
calm  weather  they  sit  on  the  water,  but  before,  and 
during  a  storm,  they  are  constantly  on  the  wing. 
The  females  lay  their  eggs  in  holes  in  the  ground,  or 
in  the  fissures  of  rocks.  They  defend  their  young  by 
spitting  oil  from  their  mouths  in  the  faces  of  their  ene- 
mies. There  are  many  species  of  this  bird,  differing 
considerably  in  size  and  colour. 

STORMY  PETREL. 

[  These  birds  are  also  called  Mother  Carey's  Chickens.] 
How  large  is  the  Stormy  Petrel 3 

The  Stormy  Petrel  is  about  the  size  of  the  swallow, 
being  seven  inches  in  length,  and,  with  the  wings 
spread,  nearly  fourteen  inches  in  extent. 

What  is  the  colour  of  this  bird  ? 

Its  colour,  except  a  spot  of  white  near  the  tail,  is 
black  ;  the  feet  are  yellow. 

Where  is  this  bird  found  ? 

The  Stormy  Petrel  is  occasionally  seen  on  the 
ocean,  in  nearly  every  part  of  the  world.  Sometimes 
it  is  met  writh  more  than  a  thousand  miles  from  the 
land. 

There  are  twenty-four  species  of  the  Petrel  tribe, 
of  which  the  present  one  is  the  smallest,  being,  indeed, 
so  far  as  is  known,  the  least  of  all  web-footed  birds. 

This  bird,  among  sailors,  has  ever  been  considered 
a  mysterious  and  ominous  bird,  and  even  at  the  present 


214  THE  PETREL. 

day,  many  persons  believe  that  its  appearance  at  sea, 
is  the  occasion  of  approaching  evil,  or  at  least  that  it 
is  a  messenger  sent  to  warn  them  to  prepare  for  a 
storm. 

Being  often  seen  at  a  great  distance  from  the  land, 
people  who  do  not  consider  that  it  can  fly  eight  or  nine 
hundred  miles  in  a  day,  do  not  readily  conceive  where 
it  can  rear  its  young,  and  hence  the  sailors  think  that 
they  hatch  their  eggs  under  their  wings  as  they  sit  on 
the  water. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  this  poor  little 
bird  is  not  the  occasion  of  any  evil  to  the  sailor  ;  nor 
does  it  hatch  its  eggs  under  its  wing,  as  they  believe. 
It  has,  however,  some  habits  peculiar  to  itself,  and 
particularly  in  respect  to  its  flying  about  over  the 
ocean  at  such  vast  distances  from  the  land.  It  is 
also  true  that  this  bird  is  most  frequently  seen  before 
a  storm,  and  during  its  continuance.  At  such  times, 
flocks  of  them  hover  around  the  ship,  and  are  more 
active  than  common  in  picking  up  any  thing  that  hap- 
pens to  fall  overboard,  such  as  the  refuse  of  provisions, 
or  any  oily  matter  which  the  cook  throws  away.  But 
particular  activity,  and  even  marks  of  distress,  before 
a  storm,  are  shewn  by  many  birds.  The  instinct  of 
the  crane,  as  has  already  been  remarked,  teaches  her 
to  prepare  for  a  coming  storm,  as  well  as  when  to 
begin  her  annual  flight.  Snow  bir$s  are  active  in 
searching  for  food  before  a  storm.  Woodpeckers, 
curlews,  and  other  birds,  are  particularly  noisy  at 
the  same  time,  and  every  housewife,  when  she  has  u 
flock  of  geese,  can  foretel,  by  their  actions,  the  ap- 
proach of  falling  weather. 


THE  PETREL.  *1S 

The  Stormy  Petrel,  therefore,  when  it  foretels,  by 
its  actions,  that  a  storm  is  approaching,  does  nothing 
but  what  is  common  to  many  other  birds,  and  on  this 
account  ought  to  be  looked  upon  by  the  sailors,  as 
something  which  contributes  to  his  safety  by  warning 
him  of  his  danger,  rather  than  a  bird  of  omen,  which 
has  come  to  do  him  mischief. 

Stormy  Petrels  hatch  their  young  in  great  numbers 
on  the  islands  of  Bermuda,  and  Cuba,  and  on  the 
coasts  of  Florida.  They  build  their  nests  among  the 
caves  and  fissures  of  the  rocks,  and  feed  their  young 
only  during  the  night.  In  the  day  time,  they  wander 
orer  the  ocean,  and  such  is  the  rapidity  of  their  flight, 
that  they  can  be  several  hundred  miles  at  sea  in  the 
middle  of  the  day  and  home  again  at  evening. 

Mr.  Wilson  says,  "  It  is  an  interesting  sight  to  ob- 
serve these  little  birds  in  a  gale  coursing  over  the 
waves,  down  the  declivities,  up  the  ascents  of  the 
foaming  surf  that  threatens  to  burst  over  their  heads  ; 
sweeping  along  the  hollow  troughs  of  the  sea,  as  in  a 
sheltered  valley,  and  again  mounting  with  the  rising 
billow,  and  just  above  its  surface,  occasionally  drop- 
ping its  feet,  which,  striking  the  water,  throws  it  up 
again  with  additional  force  ;  sometimes  leaping,  with 
both  legs  parallel,  on  the  surface  of  the  roughest 
waves,  for  several  yards  at  a  time." 

But  the  most  singular  peculiarity  of  this  bird,  is  its 
faculty  of  standing,  or  even  running  on  the  surface  o^ 
the  water  with  apparent  facility.  When  any  greasy 
matter  is  hrown  overboard,  these  birds  instantly  col- 
lect around  it,  and  facing  to  windward,  with  their  long 
wings  expanded,  and  their  webbed  feet  patting  the 


216  THE  PETREL. 

water,  the  lightness  of  their  bodies,  and  the  action  of 
the  wind  on  their  wings  enable  them  to  do  this  (that 
is,  to  stand  on  the  surface  of  the  water,)  with  ease. 
In  calm  weather,  they  perform  the  same  manoeuvre, 
by  keeping  their  wings  just  so  much  in  action  as  to 
prevent  their  feet  from  sinking  below  the  surface. 
According  to  Buffon,  it  is  from  this  singular  habit  that 
these  birds  are  named  Petrel,  the  name  being  derived 
from  Peter,  the  apostle,  who,  the  Scripture  informs 
us,  walked  upon  the  water. 


I 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  ropE^K  FROl^,  WHICH  BORROWED 


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